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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to improve habitats for hedgehogs.

In England, we will take forward our manifesto commitment to produce a 25 year strategy for the environment, which will include biodiversity. Our approach will be designed to meet the habitat needs of many species including hedgehogs.

Agri-environment schemes are the principle means of improving habitats and the wider environment on farmland in England. The Wild Pollinator and Farm Wildlife Package and other measures in the new Countryside Stewardship scheme will help to provide suitable habitat for a range of wildlife in England including hedgehogs.