Hedgehog week: 5 ways to help

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) has released its 74th newsletter to more than 11,000 supporters during Hedgehog Awareness Week, which runs from May 3 to 9.
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The newsletter leads with the news Bovis Homes has pledged to create Hedgehog Highways in the gardens of their new builds whenever possible.

The small gaps in the bottom of fences and walls allow hedgehogs access to valuable habitat.

The newsletter reports the final donation from Hobsons Brewery, who donate £50 for every brew of their Old Prickly beer, has been made bringing the grand total raised over the course of seven years to £49,610.13!

The charity is asking people to consider what they might be able to do to help hedgehogs in their gardens during this period of lockdown.

Fay Vass, Chief Executive of BHPS said: “The COVID-19 restrictions mean we are probably all spending more time in our own gardens and greenspaces so it’s an ideal time to make those areas better for our dwindling population of hedgehogs as well as doing something positive, safe at home.”

Here are five jobs the whole family can get busy with!

Make CD case sized holes at the bottom of fences or walls – make sure hedgehogs have access – create a ‘Hedgehog Highway’.

Construct a log pile - this will provide both shelter and food for hedgehogs.

Offer meaty cat or dog food in the garden at night for hedgehogs to enjoy – you can even create a simple feeding station to prevent it being stolen by neighbourhood cats!

Offer shallow bowls of water in the garden – literally a lifesaver in hot dry conditions.

Build a Hedgehog Home for them to nest in and use as a nursery – plans available on the charity website.

For more information on the Society and on how you can help hedgehogs, please see www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk or send an A5 SAE to BHPS, Hedgehog House, Dhustone, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 3PL