Hedgehog Street Campaign Creates 23,000 'Highways' in London
Hedgehogs face a significant threat due to fragmented habitats caused by close-meshed fences and walls. To combat this, over 130,000 'hedgehog champions' have registered with the Hedgehog Street campaign, aiming to create safe passage for these prickly creatures.
The Hedgehog Street project encourages gardeners to create 'hedgehog highways' by making small holes in their fences. This simple act can greatly improve hedgehogs' ability to move between gardens, helping them access food and suitable habitats. The ideal hole size is 13 by 13 centimeters.
In London alone, over 23,000 hedgehog-friendly fence holes have been marked on a map, demonstrating the campaign's impact. Additionally, the project offers small green signs for £6 to remind gardeners to keep fence openings clear of obstructions. This initiative not only helps hedgehogs but also promotes a more connected and wildlife-friendly urban environment.
The Hedgehog Street campaign, with its over 130,000 registered champions, is making a significant difference in preserving hedgehog populations. By creating hedgehog highways and encouraging gardeners to maintain open fence openings, the project is helping to mitigate the risks posed by fragmented habitats and garden equipment like lawn mowers and leaf blowers.
