Sustainable Bourne Valley is proud to bring the Hedgehog Street initiative to our community!
Hedgehogs are one of the UK’s most beloved species, but their numbers have been declining drastically due to habitat loss, urbanizsation, and barriers to their movement. Together, we can make a difference right here in St Mary Bourne.
What Is Hedgehog Street?
Hedgehog Street is a nationwide project aimed at creating hedgehog-friendly habitats in gardens, parks, and open spaces across the country. By working together, we can ensure our local hedgehogs have safe pathways and plenty of food and shelter.
Hedgehogs roam up to 2 km a night, so it’s vital they can move freely between gardens and green spaces. Small changes like adding “hedgehog highways” or planting native shrubs can make a big difference.
How St Mary Bourne Can Help!
Here are a few easy ways for our village to get involved:
Create Hedgehog Highways
- Help hedgehogs roam freely by cutting small gaps in your fences or walls.
- Place a sign near your gap to raise awareness!
Make Your Garden Hedgehog-Friendly
- Create a wild corner for natural protection.
- Leave out fresh water in shallow bowls.
- Avoid using pesticides and slug pellets.
- If you have a pond with deep sides ensure it is safe with a ramp.
- Make a hedgehog home.
Take Care When Gardening
- Be careful with bonfires (light immediately to prevent hedgehogs from sheltering underneath)
- Check before strimming.
Join our Hedgehog Survey
Have you spotted a hedgehog recently? Log your sightings on Hedgehog Street to help map their activity around St Mary Bourne. Every sighting helps us understand their movement patterns.
