INSPIRED by the recent Hedgehog Friendly Fencing campaign, Jewson will soon offer gravel boards with pre-installed Hedgehog Highways, giving hedgehogs vital access to gardens.

The national builders’ merchant is the first major national company to sign-up to Hedgehog Street’s “Hedgehog Friendly Fencing” campaign, which was launched in July.

The company has pledged to help native hedgehogs by offering customers a number of innovative solutions including gravel boards with pre-installed “Hedgehog Highways”. 

These 13cm square gaps (usually in or under garden boundaries) - give hedgehogs much-needed access to other gardens and green spaces, which is vital for their long-term survival. 

The company is now working with wildlife charities People’s Trust for Endangered Species(PTES) and The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) who together run Hedgehog Street.  

Hedgehog Street’s campaign urges Hedgehog Champions (volunteers who have pledged to make their garden hedgehog friendly in a bid to boost populations) and members of the public to contact local and national fencing companies, requesting hedgehog friendly fencing options in their product ranges. 

Hundreds of people have taken part so far, including 17-year-old Hedgehog Champion Dylan Allman whose involvement in the campaign and passion for hedgehogs inspired Jewson to take action. 

Dylan started his Hedgehog Aware campaign during lockdown and since then has helped Hedgehog Street to spread the word about how everyone can get involved.

Habitat fragmentation is one of the main reasons why Britain’s hedgehog population is in decline, but Hedgehog Highways are one of the best ways to help. 

According to BHPS and PTES’ State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2022 report, rural hedgehog numbers have dropped by up to 75 per cent in some parts of the country since 2000, and although urban hedgehogs appear to be faring slightly better, they all still need our help.

As autumn sets in, hedgehogs will soon be hunkering down to hibernate over winter. 

To help them prepare, create leaf piles and compost heaps which could make the perfect nest; encourage natural insect food with log piles; offer sources of water; provide a hedgehog house filled with leaves, twigs and natural materials as an alternative nest option; and always check for hedgehogs before strimming, mowing and ahead of Bonfire Night.

Those without gardens can help too, as the Hedgehog Friendly Fencing campaign is ongoing. 

Download the template letters from: www.hedgehogstreet.org/hedgehog-friendly-fencing and join the hundreds who have already helped by asking local and national fencing companies to get involved. 

It is hoped that with the help of the public, and Hedgehog Street’s ongoing work with conservation NGOs, academics, farmers, landowners, UK government, housing developers and now fencing companies, the fate of native hedgehogs can be turned around. 

For top tips on how to help hedgehogs, visit: www.hedgehogstreet.org .