Hedgehogs are being lost at an alarming rate of 5% per year. That’s the same rate as tigers are being lost globally.
The single most important thing we can all do is connect up our gardens. Hedgehogs roam 1-2 kms a night foraging for food and love all different types of gardens.
All it takes to connect our gardens is to make a 13cm x13cm hole in fences or walls.
Hogs come out of hibernation March/April time when they will be starving, so make sure you also leave a shallow bowl of water out and some meaty dog or cat food if you have a hog in your garden.
A fantastic initiative called Hedgehog Street has been set up nationally to help hogs at a local level. It is full of information and advice.
You can be a Hedgehog Champion on your street, to engage and support neighbours in making the street hedgehog friendly.
Wouldn’t it be great if each street in Belper had a Hedgehog Champion?
If you are interested in being a Hedgehog Champion, visit www.hedgehogstreet.org where you can register if you wish.
Let plants go wild.
Build a log pile.
Make ponds safe.
Check before trimming.
Check before burning logs.
Stop using chemicals.
Feed them when they come out of hibernation.
If you do see a hedgehog out in the day, it could be sick. If you are concerned about a Hedgehog that you suspect may be sick or injured, please contact your Local Derby Hedgehog rescue on 01332 381315.
Let’s work together to secure a future for our local hedgehogs.
By Eva Long.
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