Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to reverse the decline in hedgehog numbers.

There are a range of factors that have contributed to the decline of hedgehogs. As set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan, we are committed to creating or restoring 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat to provide benefits for species such as the hedgehog. Agri-environment schemes such as Countryside Stewardship provide funding to restore, extend and link important habitats and boost food resources for a range of species including hedgehogs.

We continue to support the work being done by non-governmental organisations, such as the British Hedgehog Protection Society, including the creation of hedgehog havens and campaigns encouraging local communities to work together to look out for the hedgehog and make gardens as welcoming as possible.