Gardeners Urged to Drill Holes in Fences to Aid Hedgehogs This March
UK homeowners are being called upon to create CD-sized holes in the bases of their fences before the end of March to support a cherished and increasingly threatened British species. As hedgehogs emerge from their winter hibernation, wildlife experts emphasise that this simple action can provide a crucial helping hand to these animals.
Why Hedgehog Highways Matter
Known as hedgehog highways, these openings establish protected passages for hedgehogs to access food and shelter while avoiding dangers such as roads. Hedgehogs are known to roam large distances to find food, mates, and nesting sites, but in urban environments, fences, walls, and other barriers can severely limit their movement. By creating these gaps, gardeners can help hedgehogs safely travel between gardens and other habitats, significantly improving their chances of survival and reproduction.
Anton Baskerville, a wildlife expert at Woodlands.co.uk, explained: "Hedgehogs like to roam large distances to find food, mates, and nesting sites. In urban environments, fences, walls, and other barriers can limit their movement, making it harder for them to meet these basic needs. A hedgehog highway enables them to safely travel between gardens and other habitats, greatly improving their chances of survival and reproduction."
The Decline of Hedgehogs in Britain
Throughout Britain, hedgehogs have been officially recognised as vulnerable to extinction. Their populations have plummeted dramatically, particularly in rural areas, due to factors including:
- Loss of natural habitats
- Road traffic accidents
- Dwindling food supplies
This decline underscores the urgency of conservation efforts like creating hedgehog highways.
How to Create a Hedgehog Highway
The process is straightforward and does not require removing a substantial portion of your fence or hedge. Specialists at Thomson Environmental Consultants, a prominent environmental consultancy firm, recommend:
- Drill or cut a CD-case-sized gap (approximately 13 cm by 13 cm) in the base of your garden fence.
- Coordinate with neighbours to establish a connected network of gardens, enhancing the effectiveness of the highway.
- Mark the gaps to raise awareness and encourage others to participate in the initiative.
By taking these steps, gardeners can contribute to a nationwide effort to protect hedgehogs and support biodiversity in urban and suburban areas.
