A Helping Hand For Hoglets & Hedgehogs?
A Helping Hand For Hoglets & Hedgehogs?
As the hot weather comes to a boil, anyone working outside near or in gardens has been asked to spare a thought for the hedgehog – especially young ones.
Hedgehogs (hoglets) in the UK are primarily born in June and July, once they emerge they are very susceptible to hot weather even though they are nocturnal.
Hedgehogs remain one of the UK’s most loved wild animals, however their numbers have declined by up to 75% in rural areas over the past 20 years. With gardens now playing a key role in their survival, the way outdoor work is carried out can make a real difference – and installers are in a great position to act as spotters so other trades and gardeners don’t disturb them. Or they can put water down to help the little creatures find hydration.
Help the Hedgehogs campaign
MyBuilder.com has partnered with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society to release a short video highlighting common on-site risks to be aware of and practical ways to reduce them.
This was first released to coincide with Hedgehog Awareness Week May 3-9. The campaign recognises that tradespeople who work in outdoor spaces are uniquely placed to factor in wildlife considerations as part of a professional finish and build on the work that many gardeners are already doing to support hedgehogs.
Desire to help
Hedgehog numbers have declined staggeringly in rural areas in recent decades, partly due to habitat fragmentation, housing developments and the expansion of urban areas.
MyBuilder.com data showed that sadly, a quarter of Brits have never seen a hedgehog in the wild, rising to 40 per cent of those aged 18-34. 73 per cent of people in the UK would be interested in helping hedgehogs in their gardens.
Andy Simms from MyBuilder.com said: “Tradespeople are often the quiet heroes of our communities. Meanwhile, professional gardeners and landscapers are in a unique position to help wildlife too as they’re working in the spaces hedgehogs rely on every day. There is nothing to stop a team building an extension in getting involved – all they have to do is keep an eye out or even put a bowl of water down.
“Many are already mindful of wildlife on site. Small adjustments that can easily be built into the job. Whether it’s covering a drain while building that conservatory or extension or suggesting a small access gap in a fence you are erecting, it’s a chance to raise awareness amongst customers and pass on practical advice to homeowners who want to make their gardens more wildlife friendly.”
Picture: Can you help a hedgehog family?
