Hedgehog numbers plummet by 50% since the Millennium
Britain’s hedgehog population is in massive decline says a report issued today by British Hedgehog Preservation Society and People’s Trust for Endangered Species. The 2018 State of British Hedgehog’s report reveals that population numbers have declined by 50% since 2000 whilst urban hedgehogs are faring slightly better, but still suffering around a 33% decline.
The intensification of agriculture through the loss of hedgerows and permanent grasslands increased field sizes and the use of pesticides, which reduce the amount of prey available, are all associated with the plunge in numbers of hedgehogs in rural areas.
The report highlights the increasing importance of urban and suburban areas for the survival of hedgehogs but suggests a move towards tidy, well-kept gardens that are isolated from each other by impassable boundaries is also contributing to their demise.
Anne Brummer, founder of Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue and CEO of Dr. Brian May’s Save Me Trust, whose joint campaign – Amazing Grace – is to save Britain’s hedgehogs said: “Many of us can remember hedgehogs being a common sight – but very few of us see them today – we have made our home village of Windlesham Hedgehog Friendly and are now working to make Surrey Heath a Hedgehog Friendly Borough”
Anne has launched a government website petition calling for hedgehogs to be a protected species. She said: “ Hedgehogs have been in Britain for millions of years, it is vital that we all take action to help them. We want to encourage local communities to work together to help save their hedgehogs”.
You can sign the government petition here:
Dr. Brian May founder of the Save Me Trust said; “These cute little creatures are such an intrinsic part of our landscape and heritage for millennia – we have to take action to help save them. Please sign the petition today to make them a protected species and follow our guide to make your own garden ‘hedgehog friendly”
To find out how you can help your local hedgehogs visit the Harper Asprey website here