REDDITCH’S smallest, spikiest residents are now becoming a rare sight as research reveals that hedgehog numbers have plummeted by a third since the year 2000.
Research from the People’s Trust for Endangered Species and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society highlights evidence that hedgehogs are declining severely in Britain.
The loss of hedgerows and intensive farming in rural areas, along with tidy, fenced-in gardens in urban and suburban locations, are just some of the threats contributing to the demise of Britain’s native hedgehog. It is estimated populations have declined by up to a third in urban areas, and by at least half in rural areas since 2000.
However, there are simple ways to encourage and protect hedgehogs in gardens around Worcestershire, including making small holes in garden fences, leaving a corner of the garden overgrown with leaves and log piles, or planting an area of wild flowers. Leaving a dish of tap water or cat biscuits can also be a good way to help hedgehogs gain weight in winter.
Visit https://www.hedgehogstreet.org or https://diygarden.co.uk/wildlife/ultimate-guide-to-hedgehogs/ to find out more.
