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A Birmingham-based hedgehog rescue is encouraging residents to make their gardens safer for wildlife after receiving a donation of 100 highways from Hedgehog Highway by Timloc.
Array4Hogs Hedgehog Rescue, which cares for sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs across the region, will distribute the distinctive yellow highways to local households to help create vital pathways between gardens for the UK’s declining hedgehog population.
Highway’s aim to improve connectivity for hedgehogs, which can travel up to a mile each night in search of food, water and shelter. Modern fencing and enclosed gardens can cut off these natural routes, making Hedgehog Highways an important tool in helping the species move safely through urban areas.
Alongside promoting the use of Hedgehog Highways, Array4Hogs is reminding residents that simple changes in their gardens can have a significant impact for wildlife.
The rescue is urging gardeners to always check for hedgehogs and other wildlife before using strimmer’s, lawn mowers or other gardening equipment. Unlike many animals, hedgehogs often react to danger by curling up into a defensive ball rather than running away, leaving them particularly vulnerable to serious injury. Thousands of hedgehogs are injured or killed each year in gardening-related incidents.
The charity is also advising homeowners to cover open drains which can become deadly traps for hedgehogs and other wildlife.
Another key message is to avoid using slug pellets and other pesticides. While these products target garden pests, they can have devastating consequences for hedgehogs that consume poisoned insects.
Dog owners are being encouraged to keep an eye on pets during evening hours when hedgehogs are most active. Late-night trips into the garden can sometimes lead to unwanted encounters between curious dogs and foraging hedgehogs.
Array4Hogs is also asking residents to leave out shallow dishes of fresh water, particularly during warmer weather, as access to clean drinking water can benefit a wide range of garden wildlife.
Sharon Baker, Founder of Array4Hogs Hedgehog Rescue said: “Every garden can become a safe haven for hedgehogs. Small actions such as leaving out water, checking before strimming, avoiding slug pellets and creating highways between gardens can make a huge difference. We’re incredibly grateful to Timloc Building Products for donating 100 Hedgehog Highways to help us spread that message across the community.”
With every purchase of a Hedgehog Highway by Timloc a donation is made to hedgehog rescues and charities across the UK to help them continue their vital work for the vulnerable to extinct species.
For more information about Array4Hogs Hedgehog Rescue, visit: www.facebook.com/Array4Hogs