Recent surveys by the State of Britain’s Hedgehogs report estimate that hedgehog numbers have decreased by up to 75% in rural areas since the turn of the century. 

The National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme, a world-first project, has been launched to track hedgehogs and help reverse this decline.

Through a combination of trail cameras, artificial intelligence and help from volunteers to establish robust hedgehog population estimates.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) is a registered UK charity dedicated to helping & protecting hedgehogs native to the UK. 

They have recently issued top tips on how to reduce the risk of harming hedgehogs this November.

Fay Vass, Chief Executive of BHPS, said: “As the nation gears up for bonfire and firework season, we are asking people to #RememberHedgehogs and consider how our actions can harm the wildlife living in our gardens and neighbourhoods.

“A bonfire pile looks like the perfect readymade home to a hedgehog seeking a safe and cosy winter nest to hibernate in. They don’t know we plan to set light to it!

“This year, stop to consider if you could mark the season in a more hedgehog-friendly way. Taking a few minutes to think about wildlife can really help save the lives of hedgehogs, other wildlife and pets.”

Donna Hatton from Chesterfield Hedgehog Rescue said, “I set up 4 years ago after finding a couple of poorly hogs.

“I realised the vets didn’t know what to do, how to diagnose and treat them, so after looking into it all.”

“I did my training at Vale Wildlife Hospital, and I’ve dealt with over 500 hogs in the last 4 years.”

Donna’s goal is to raise enough funds to create a garden room for a “hogspital.” This organisation seeks to recruit more volunteers and inspire others to establish their own rescue initiatives.

Donna said, “Humans damage the land, no one lets anything natural grow, so there’s a lack of natural food.

“Hedgehogs don’t hibernate like they did as it has to be below 5 degrees for them to consider hibernating. As soon as it’s above again they’re awake with no food around.

“The easiest way people can help is to put hog houses in their gardens and leave cat biscuits with fresh water not too close to the hog house, as it attracts predators.”

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