A new ‘Hedgehog Friendly Fencing’ campaign has been launched in a bid to make garden fencing with ready-made ‘Hedgehog Highways’ available as industry standard, and members of the public are being asked to help.
Habitat fragmentation is one of the main issues affecting Britain’s hedgehogs, but 13cm square gaps in fences, known as ‘Hedgehog Highways’, help to combat this prickly problem.
Hedgehog Street, a nationwide campaign by charities People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), is behind this new movement. It aims to give native hedgehogs - listed as vulnerable to extinction on the Red List for Britain’s Mammals 2020 - better access to neighbouring gardens and green spaces, which is vital for the species’ long-term survival.
Members of the public and Hedgehog Champions (a 120,000-strong group of passionate volunteers who have already pledged to help the small, spikey mammals) are being urged to write to local and national fencing companies using free template letters provided by Hedgehog Street, requesting hedgehog friendly fencing options in their product ranges. This includes pre-made Hedgehog Highways in fences or gravel boards. Companies who agree will be showcased on Hedgehog Street’s website, celebrating those who have pledged to help Britain’s favourite mammal.
Jacksons Fencing was the first to develop specialist hedgehog gravel boards in 2015, specifically designed with a hedgehog sized hole to enable the animals to roam freely between gardens. These boards are made from high-quality timber treated with the Jakcure process, ensuring durability and longevity.
Cutting a 13cm x 13cm hole in both sides of your garden fence is another viable option that will leave enough room for hedgehogs to pass through while deterring larger animals. Always check with the manufacturer’s guidelines before cutting timber as it may need additional treatment.
In addition to hedgehog-friendly fencing, providing food and fresh water, ensuring easy access to ponds, leaving areas of the garden wild and undisturbed, and creating habitats with log piles, leaf piles, and compost heaps also contribute to improving hedgehog livelihoods.
Leigh Barnes, Jacksons Fencing, says, “At Jacksons Fencing, we understand the urgency of addressing this issue and we’re committed to offering our customers sustainable, hedgehog-friendly solutions, such as the Hedgehog Gravel Board. This aims to contribute to hedgehog conservation while promoting the larger goal of sustainability too. There’s no doubt swift action must be taken to protect and restore hedgehog populations. Every effort counts, and together, we can make a meaningful difference to these beloved creatures and the delicate ecosystems they inhabit.”
