Our wonderful hedgehogs are in decline in this country but there is still a small number snuffling around even at the moment although once we are at around 5 degrees Celsius they should be hibernating*.
Hedgehog feeding station action in a Foxholes garden!
If you see a hedgehog that is under 350 grammes at this time of year then please take them to a rescue as they will not survive hibernation.
Given that Kingsmead has such an enormous wealth of wildlife and wildlife but hedgehogs are in danger and encouraging hedgehogs is part of the Kingsmead Neighbourhood Action Plan KRA is going to launch a campaign to get some hedgehog highways through Kingsmead.
What's a hedgehog highway?
Basically it's a set of 13 cm by 13 cm holes through back garden fences to allow access by hedgehogs. We do need to make these continuous as hedgehogs travel around a mile every night (not winter!) so if there is a 'break' in the highway then it only gives those little legs a short walk. The idea is to keep the hoggies off the roads so there is no squish factor.
So, where first?
We have volunteers who are going to encourage people in Woodlands Road over the next six months or so to get the first full highway to try and join up the sightings of hogs on Foxholes with those on Tamworth Road so they have a road through.....
Do you live on Woodland Road? Want to be a hedgehog highway host?
Please drop us a line at krahertford@gmail.com. Let's turn the map in SG13 blue with holes! If you already have a hedgehog hole remember to include it on the map (links below)
Want to recruit more people?
Download our poster or talk to your neighbours about it
Have you seen a hedgehog or get a regular visitor?
The map above comes from Hedgehog Street; if you want to log or register hedgehogs in your area just click on:
https://bighedgehogmap.org/
Or if you want to know more about hedgehogs:
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/
* Remember, if you find a 'dead' hedgehog at this time of year it may just be in hibernation and they will be breathing very very slowly.
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