For many years we have had periodic visits from a hedgehog. We christened him Hedgy.
Seems, however, that the lifespan of a wild hedgehog is around 2-5 years so its unlikely to be the same hedgehog. Also it appears there can be a number of hedgehogs in the vicinity.
Originally the visits would be prompted by the availability of slugs when our back yard was grass. More recently when the area was paved, the leftover food left out for visiting cats may be the reason for visits.
Whatever the reason, Hedgy and friends make a welcome sight.