Widespread and common, though records indicate that distribution in the county is rather uneven. Some of this variation in records is due to observer effort. However, hedgehogs appear to be genuinely absent from certain regularly monitored localities. Rare on moorlands, but often recorded on the limestone plateau of the White Peak up to at least 370m (1200 feet). Hedgehogs are frequently recorded in built-up areas. The current trend in the county is unclear, though it is perhaps decreasing. Recent data from Mammals Trust UK indicate a decline at national level, with a noticeable drop in numbers found dead on roads over the last 10 years. A country-wide survey launched in 2006 aims to track population trends. Nationally there is also evidence to show that hedgehogs are more common where badgers are less common and some anecdotal evidence in Derbyshire supports this. Most county records relate to road casualties and to garden visits. Recorded in all months, though generally rare in winter when they are normally in hibernation, though mild conditions, such as in 2006-7, bring occasional sightings. Although difficult to believe now, hedgehogs were once considered vermin and in the 17th and 18th centuries parishes paid a bounty for each one killed. For example, Wirksworth paid for 161 in 1725!
[Old local name: urchin]

More on the hedgehog and the Derbyshire distribution map.

Species identification information

Distribution map