Hedgehogs highways put creatures on road to recovery
A Shropshire homebuilder is creating "hedgehog highways" at its new developments to provide the prickly creatures with safe avenues into gardens.
With hedgehog numbers in decline, David Wilson Homes has incorporated hedgehog-friendly features including the hedgehog highways, created by linking up multiple gardens, usually through a CD-sized hole in the fence or wall making it easy for the creatures to forage, seek mates, and generally come and go.
The developments also contain a Hogilo, which is a purpose-built hedgehog house recommended by experts to provide a sturdy and waterproof home for hedgehogs seeking shelter.
The firm has donated £1,000 to Hedgehog Street, set up by wildlife charities People's Trust for Endangered Species and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. The money will help Hedgehog Street continue its work in conserving native hedgehogs through its volunteers, supporting research projects, educational outreach and programmes.
Grace Johnson, Hedgehog Officer from Hedgehog Street, says: “This is a huge help for hedgehogs, as one of the reasons for their decline is lack of connected habitat. Gardens are perfect hedgehog habitats, but they need to be accessible.
“Small changes like this, as well as leaving out suitable food, water and providing a ‘hog house', can really help this endangered species to fight back."
