UK's first hedgehog conservation area announced
The Hedgehog Improvement Area aims to improve the region's hedgehog population.
The UK's first conservation area for hedgehogs is to be established in Solihull, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust has announced.
Dubbed the 'Hedgehog Improvement Area' (HIA), the initiative has been developed in response to a sharp fall in hedgehog numbers.
The HIA aims to improve the region's hedgehog population, inspiring the local community to take action to help one of the country's most enigmatic and well-loved species.
The core of the initiative will be a 90-hectare 'hedgehog reserve,' incorporating Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's Elmdon Park and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust's Elmdon Manor nature reserve. A team of volunteers will help manage the area, helping to establish a central sanctuary from which the hedgehog population will be able to disperse and inhabit the surrounding area.
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust will also be asking the residents of Elmdon to open up their private gardens to hedgehogs, simply by making a five inch hole in their garden fence. Radiating out from the central 'hedgehog reserve', the HIA team aims to connect as many gardens in Solihull as possible.
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society, who are funding the initiative, say that they are 'delighted' to be involved in such an exciting and important project, and hope that it will benefit many hedgehogs.
Fay Vass, chief executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, said: "Simple measures such as ensuring there is a 5 inch square gap in boundary walls and fences make a massive difference to local hedgehog populations. There are many ways people can assist this declining species and we hope this project will complement our work to highlight the plight of the hedgehog."
The project will be delivered by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust's hedgehog officer, Simon Thompson, who will be extending an invitation to Solihull's residents to participate in all areas of the initiative.
Residents will be trained and encouraged to conduct hedgehog surveys in their own gardens using purpose built footprint tunnels and remote HD wildlife cameras loaned out by the WIldlife Trust.
All of the community's hedgehog records will be placed on a map, so that the project's progress can be easily tracked through the season.
Mr. Thompson said: “I’m really proud to be working on a project which has its feet so firmly grounded in grass-roots conservation. Local people and businesses have the opportunity to be involved with every level of the project.
"Whether getting hands-on with habitat management or borrowing a remote camera to conduct a survey in a back garden, everyone can get involved, ultimately helping to secure a bright future for hedgehogs in their community.”
For the opportunity to get involved in the project, visit www.helpforhedgehogs.co.uk.
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