Council looking out for hedgehogs

13 Mar 2023

Workers at West Suffolk Council are taking up a Haverhill lady’s call to avoid accidentally injuring hedgehogs.

Claire Buckle who lives near Castle Manor Playing Fields wrote to her local councillor, Margaret Marks, asking for stickers to be put on the grounds maintenance machinery and strimmers the council uses, reminding users to check for hedgehogs first. The stickers are available from the Hedgehog Preservation Society website: The British Hedgehog Preservation Society

Claire, who has a passion for hedgehogs, said,
‘I’m asking everyone to please inspect long grass before mowing or strimming and to help spread the message that this simple check could save a hedgehog, because that’s where they love to nest and forage. They don’t run away from threats, they roll up into a tight spikey ball, and get injured. They’re in such sharp decline we must just do all we can to protect the ones we have left. The stickers are a reminder to think hedgehog.’

Cllr Marks said,
‘I was delighted to help Claire and am so pleased that it could all be done so quickly. At the moment hedgehogs may still be hibernating in nests in dry places like borders and compost heaps, so a quick check before clearing an area is helpful. The council has declared an environmental emergency and is promoting biodiversity. Nature provides resilience from climate change so making sure it continues to do so is simply vital. It is a pleasure to work with residents like Claire who are passionate and have the same concerns.’

Residents and community groups looking for support for their local biodiversity efforts can contact their local councillor: Councillors and MPs 

Jason Baldwin, Landscape Supervisor said,
‘The stickers do make you think twice about checking before starting work on clearing an area where hedgehogs might be. Thankfully, it hasn’t happened to me, but injuring an animal must be the most awful thing. And it is lovely when you do happen to see one.’

Hedgehogs are now classed as endangered and their decline seems to be down to lack of habitat. The Hedgehog Preservation Society says in rural areas they prefer villages to open farmland, (particularly arable) but that they seem to be doing a little better in urban areas.
 

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