A much-loved, charming creature, the hedgehog, is now an endangered species.

We are very fortunate here in Stratton to live in a beautiful part of the country, still with a mostly rural aspect. We are also lucky to be the home of numerous hedgehogs.

Unfortunately, hedgehogs do not possess road sense and it has recently been brought to the council’s attention that these captivating little nocturnal creatures have been seen wandering around the roads in the village and in great danger of being runover. Responding to this concern, raised by a resident, the parish council will be in contact with Dorset Highways to see if approved hedgehog warning signs can be put up, either by Highways or by the council or residents themselves in suitable sites on the public highway.

What can residents do individually to protect and support these little animals?

It is known that hedgehogs love gardens and like to mooch about in them looking for food, getting most of it from insects and worms. Indeed, as they are nocturnal, hedgehogs, who travel many miles during the night, may already be exploring your garden while you are asleep. A hole, around the size of a compact disc in the garden fence or gate will give enough room for a hedgehog to get into the garden. Neighbours could link their gardens in this way to form a ‘hedgehog highway’.

Putting out food will encourage hedgehogs to visit your garden

Hedgehogs will relish any combination of meat-based wet dog or cat foods, or dry cat/kitten food, as these are high in the protein that they need. Remembering this food is only supplementary.

Place in a shallow dish and put in a sheltered area of your garden around sunset. Splitting food over several sites may reduce pushing and shoving at food bowls. Don’t forget to offer water bowls too! For a treat, hedgehogs love meal worms – the equivalent of hedgehog chocolate!

Specially made hedgehog foods both in dry and moist kibble varieties exist and can be bought from most local pet and garden stores. Please note that these specialist foods are not regulated or approved, and those resembling pet food with a high meat content are most suitable. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant so please do not give them milk. Bread is low in energy so fairly worthless to them.

Residents could also put-up signs on their own property warning of hedgehog activity.

Other ways to make a garden hedgehog friendly can include making a wild corner, making a pond safe with a ramp, stop using chemicals, check before strimming, being careful with bonfires and making a home for them.

Much information about hedgehogs can be found on the internet, including the website https://www.hedgehogstreet.org  where its possible to register and become a Hedgehog Champion!

 

31st July 2021 – Endangered!
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