Mar 12 • 11:08 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

Anyone with a garden urged to drill holes in their fences before spring arrives

Wildlife experts in the UK are advising gardeners to drill holes in their fences to create pathways for hedgehogs awakening from hibernation.

As spring approaches, wildlife experts in the UK are calling on gardeners to take proactive steps in helping endangered hedgehogs by drilling CD-case-sized holes at the base of garden fences. These openings, referred to as 'hedgehog highways', will allow hedgehogs to move freely between gardens, ultimately aiding their search for food and shelter as they begin to emerge from their winter hibernation.

The initiative comes in response to concerns over declining hedgehog populations in the UK. With urbanization and garden fencing often isolating these creatures, experts stress the importance of creating safe passages to support their movement. Drilling holes in fences may seem like an inconvenient task for some gardeners, but the positive impact on hedgehog movements and conservation efforts is substantial.

By encouraging garden collaboration, this movement not only helps individual hedgehogs but also fosters a sense of community among gardeners. As more individuals contribute to this effort, the overall ecological connectivity in urban areas can improve, benefiting not just hedgehogs but a range of wildlife that relies on inter-garden mobility for survival.

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