Be a Hedgehog Hero! (By Sofia, Oliver, and Theo)
By Sofia W, Oliver M, and Theo K, Jill Dando News centre at St Anne’s Church Academy
Pupils at St Anne's Church Academy in Somerset, taking part in the Archbishop of York’s Young Leaders Award, have been working on a special community project to raise awareness about the plight of hedgehogs in our local area.
As part of this initiative, students from the Jill Dando News room have written an article on how to help others understand the challenges hedgehogs face and how we can all play a part in protecting these much-loved creatures.
Did you know?
UK hedgehog numbers are low in urban areas between 2002 and 2019,
the number of hedgehogs recorded in rural areas fell by 77%
Since 2015, the population has remained at about one fifth of its 2022
value
What does this mean?
In the past twenty five years, we have lost almost three quarters of our rural
hedgehog population.
However, in the last ten years, the rural population has
begun to slowly stabilise. This is because humans are helping, not hindering.
HOW CAN YOU HELP HEDGEHOGS
1.Don’t go on your phone when you are in your car and be careful on the road especially when it’s dark outside as this is when hedgehogs are most active.
2. If you see a hedgehog don’t bury or burn it because the hedgehog might
just be hibernating so don’t touch it apart from moving it out of the road
3. Crush your cans and place in a secure bin so that the hedgehogs don't crawl into the bin and get stuck.
4. If you see one sleeping outside in the day it will need help - visit www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog for first aid tips.
5. Check before you light a fire because it may have a hedgehog inside
6. If you ever find a hedgehog you can call hedgehog street for advice, a local wildlife hospital or the British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890 801 who can offer first aid advice and the phone number of a local independent rescue centre.
HOW TO BUILD A HEDEHOG HOUSE OR
TUNNEL
First, you need to make a 20 by 20 inch hole or tunnel so they can bring food,
sleep and so they have a home. Next, you decorate it with flowers and plants
and tasty treats for eating.
Finally, you wait for a hedgehog to find their new, lovely home.
HOW TO DONATE
Go to www.hedgehogstreet.org to donate to save our hedgehogs.
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