Wildlife Gardening - Interview with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

Nov 3rd, 2008

It's a prickly business, but someone has to do it. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society are just the people to help look after hedgehogs and promote their conservation. We catch up with Fay Vass and ask a few questions!

Firstly, can you tell us a bit about the work of the Hedgehog Preservation Society?
We maintain a list of over 600 carers nationwide so if anyone has an injured or poorly hedgehog we can usually give them first aid advice then offer the number of a local contact for more help. We also send out thousands of information leaflets and packs to vets, potential carers and schools every year.
 
How can the general public assist with your work?  
Becoming a member is the best way, it costs just £7.50 a year and through our newsletters we keep members up to date with all that is happening in the world of hedgehogs, and can ask for further help with projects like distributing information.
 
What is the current state of Hedgehogs in the UK?
Hedgehog numbers are in decline and they have recently been added to the Biodiversity Action Plan as a result of their number decline.
 
What are they up to at this time of year?
At the moment they are trying to fatten up to hibernate successfully. They need to be an absolute minimum of 450gms to stand a chance of surviving hibernation in the wild. We are getting lots of calls from people who have found tiny hedgehogs that won't put on enough weight in time without help.
 
If someone finds and injured hedgehog what should they do?
Make sure it is safely contained and indoors, a high sided box with an old towel or tshirt in the bottom is fine. Offer meat based pet food and fresh water, then call us on 01584 890 801 for advice and the number of local carers.
 
How can you attract Hedgehogs to your garden?
 Make sure they have easy access in and out, offer food and water, and a place to nest. A log pile provides a place to nest as well as some natural food, as does a 'wild corner'.
 
What has the society been up to this year?
 As well as the advice and caring work already mentioned, the society has also been involved in Uist Hedgehog Rescue (see www.uhr.org.uk). We also have sent out a free heatpad to carers registered with us who didn't previously have one. Prior to bonfire night we sent thousands of posters warning people to check their bonfires for sleeping hedgehogs before lighting. These went to carers who distributed them nationally, vets, and bonfire organisers.
 
What are your plans for 2009?
We hope to continue all the work we currently do. Another scheme we hope to complete is to ensure every carer has a free copy of Hedgehog Rehabilitation, a very important publication that carers refer to as their 'bible'!
 
MORE INFO AVAILABLE FROM

British Hedgehog Preservation Society
Hedgehog House
Dhustone
Ludlow
Shropshire
SY8 3PL
Tel:01584 890 801
www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk