Urban Hedgehogs Show Signs of Recovery as Community Efforts Take Hold
Hedgehogs, undoubtedly one of Britain's most beloved mammals, have faced a dramatic population decline due to widespread habitat loss, pushing the species to the brink in many regions. However, there is a glimmer of hope emerging from our cities and towns. While rural hedgehog numbers continue to fall, this alarming trend is slowing or even halting in some urban areas, thanks to proactive measures by local residents.
Transforming Urban Spaces into Hedgehog Havens
This positive shift is largely attributed to urban gardeners and community members who are making their gardens and local green spaces more hedgehog-friendly. Hedgehogs can travel up to one mile each night in search of food and mates, but they require unobstructed movement between green areas to thrive. Solid fences, the use of pesticides that kill their insect prey, and overly tidy gardens that lack shelter or hibernation spots have historically hindered their survival.
Simple yet effective actions can make a significant difference. Creating small holes at the base of fences, avoiding pesticides, and leaving a wild corner filled with leaves and sticks provide ideal nesting and foraging conditions. These efforts, though straightforward, are proving successful, as evidenced by the gradual recovery of urban hedgehog populations.
Wythenshawe's Championing Nature Project: A Community-Driven Initiative
In Wythenshawe, a vibrant and diverse community in Manchester, an exciting new long-term project called Championing Nature is set to amplify these conservation efforts. Funded by Wimbledon and Emirates, this six-year initiative aims to engage residents in urban nature recovery and community activities. Each season will feature a Heartbeat Moment—a series of local events celebrating the area's people and natural environment.
This winter, the focus is squarely on hedgehogs, one of six golden thread species targeted by the project. On Saturday, February 21, the Wythenshawe Forum will host a morning of free, family-friendly hedgehog-themed crafts, encouraging creativity and education about these prickly residents. In the afternoon, local hedgehog expert Dr. Frankie Kerridge from Myerscough College and University Centre will lead a session at Norbrook Community Centre, offering insights on hedgehog protection.
Inspiring Future Generations for Lasting Impact
The Championing Nature project emphasizes that small, collective actions can have a profound impact on species recovery. By inspiring families and young people to participate, it aims to secure a brighter future for hedgehogs and influence conservation attitudes across Manchester and beyond. With rural hedgehog populations still in decline, safeguarding urban hogs is crucial to preventing the permanent loss of this iconic British species.
By Laura Hacking Vile from The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.
