The BS3 Hedgehog Project (formerly Taskforce) was set up last year during lockdown in response to encouragement from the BS3 Wildlife Group. Four people came forward to set up an initial (virtual) meeting with local residents in support of the BS3 hedgehog population. We have publicised the group via social media and by giving talks and presentations, eg to BBC Radio Bristol and the Bristol and Bath Parks Foundation.
The aims of the group are to support the hedgehog population by monitoring and recording their presence including reporting sightings to the hedgehogstreet.org website and encouraging people to make their gardens and local green spaces as hedgehog friendly as possible, eg by leaving ‘untidy’ areas where hedgehogs can next and leaving out food (non-fishy cat food is good) and water.
Since the group’s inception more than 50 people have come forward to be ‘Hedgehog Champions’ in their street or local green space, which is fantastic. as the hogs began to wake after their hibernation, Champions have been sharing their sightings on Facebook and Instagram and delivering our especially designed leaflet (thanks to a local graphic designer) to their neighbours – nearly 5000 leaflets so far.
Over the coming months we will be encouraging our neighbours to cut holes in their garden fences and walls to create ‘Hedgehog Highways’ so the hogs can travel more freely to find food and mates!
We have met virtually approximately monthly to share tips and ideas and to plan next steps. We intend to work with Bristol City Council to survey local green spaces for hedgehogs and to help make local parks more hedgehog friendly, eg a local landscape designer is digging a pond so that the hogs have safe access to drinking water. Also, we aim to work with schools and scout groups to encourage children to take an interest in hedgehogs and to learn about how best to help them.
If you would like to get involved in the project, please contact us via Facebook or Instagram (@BS3.Hedgehog.Project) or email: BS3.Hedgehog.Project@gmail.com