Supporting local Hedgehogs: Is your garden hog happy?
In support of the UK's 10 year conservation strategy we're encouraging visitors to make their gardens 'Hog Happy'!
We celebrate the achievements of this campaign in a news summary
Take a look at Hedgehog Street's top ten hedgehog safety tips
NEW Hedgehog Street app - download it now...
Why hedgehogs?
The population of the humble hedgehog is thought to have been in decline, over the late 20th century and early 21st century, leading to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and People's Trust for Endangered Species campaign: Hedgehog Street, in 2011.
They have been on a mission to raise awareness of the plight of the Western-European Hedgehog and encourage the UK to become Hedgehog Champions.
As a result a 10 year conservation strategy was written up, 2015-2025, to help the on-going work.
source: The State of Britain's Hedgehogs 2018 (Wilson & Wembridge)
Itchen Valley Country Park are ready to help support Hedgehog Street and ask the question: "Is your garden hog happy?"
This year-long campaign aims to build on the national success and increase local awareness of the dangers for hedgehogs and how to help them during key points in the year - spring and autumn.
What are we doing?
- NEW - ensuring hedgehog safety stickers are added to the Council's maintenance equipment
- Weaving hedgehog-related activities into our existing sessions - such as hedgehog crafts and Woodland Café treats
- Hosting Hedgehog Days in November 2018 and October 2019.
- Hosting a school poster competition (download the winning posters from this page)
- Increasing awareness online using #HogHappyGarden
- Showing you all the ways in which you can support hedgehogs in your area
- Encourage you to become a Hedgehog Champion and populate the Hedgehog Map
What can you do?
- Get involved in the hedgehog-related activities at Itchen Valley Country Park
- Follow the 10 tips for encouraging hedgehogs in your neighbourhood (become a Hedgehog Champion or follow #HogHappyGarden to access)
- Build a Hedgehog Home in your garden and/or Hedgehog Holes in your garden fences creating Hedgehog Highways
- Become a Hedgehog Champion and populate the Hedgehog Map
- Post progress of your hedgehog activities via #HogHappyGarden and help spread the word
Watch the award-winning Hedgehog Close video for inspiration:
(achieving silver in their category and overall People's Choice Award at the Charity Film Awards, May 2018)