I am today calling on Fareham residents to do their bit to reverse the decline of hedgehogs in our area.
Hedgehogs thrive in gardens, and there is around half a million hectares of garden in the UK, there a number of simple changes we can all make to help hedgehogs in our gardens.
Hedgehogs are extraordinary creatures and are synonymous with British wildlife. We know hedgehogs are in trouble as we’ve lost a third of their population in just 10 years so naturally I, and many others, are concerned to ensure their future is bright.
Fortunately, there are a number of steps people can make to prevent the loss of the UKs only spiny mammal.
The Hedgehog Street initiative highlights the simple changes that people can make that will support our hedgehogs to thrive. I would urge Fareham residents to read the 10 point guide on how to support hedgehogs in our back gardens and communities:
- Link your garden. Hedgehogs roam from 1 to 2km each night during their active season. It’s therefore critical that they can access a wide range of gardens. 13cm x 13cm holes in walls or fences will let hedgehogs through but be too small for most pets. If readers have already made a hole in your garden wall or fence please visit www.hedgehogstreet.org to put it on an interactive map.
- Make your pond safe. Hedgehogs are adept swimmers, but if they can’t climb out of steep-sided ponds or pools they will drown. Use a pile of stones, a piece of wood or some chicken wire to create a simple ramp.
- Create a wild corner. Let the plants go mad in a corner of your garden, and don’t cut them back in winter and hedgehogs might nest here. They’ll also benefit from the abundant insects. Use branches to add structure.
- Deal with netting and litter. Hedgehogs are prone to getting tangled. Polystyrene cups, plastic, and elastic bands are all common offenders. Replace netting with a rigid structure or use a thick cordage and keep taut. Sports netting should be tied up or stored inside when not in use.
- Put food and water out. Hedgehogs really benefit from extra food, using it as a supplement to their natural diet. Meaty cat or dog food, hedgehog food, meal worms and chopped, unsalted peanuts are all suitable. Water can also be scarce at certain times of the year and is the only thing you should give them to drink.
- Stop using chemicals. Lawn treatments reduce worm populations. Pesticides, insecticides and slug pellets are toxic and reduce hedgehogs’ creepy crawly prey. They are all unnecessary in a healthy, well-managed garden.
- Check before strimming. Hedgehogs will not run away from the sound of a mower or strimmer – check before you cut and avoid causing horrific injuries or death. Single hedgehogs are easily moved, but use gloves! Moving a hedgehog family is more complicated and ideally they should be left undisturbed – call BHPS for advice on 01584 890801.
- Be careful with bonfires. Piles of debris are irresistible to a hedgehog looking for somewhere to hibernate or nest – build it on the day of burning or move the pile on the day of burning to avoid a tragic end.
- Build a log pile. One of the best features for encouraging all kinds of wildlife – and so easy to make. It will encourage insects and provide nesting opportunities all year round.
- Become a hedgehog champion. Register on Hedgehog Street and join our army of over 30,000 volunteers. We’ll provide you with all of the resources you could need to make your neighbourhood chock-a-block with hedgehogs. www.hedgehogstreet.org