Hedgehog in evening light by Wendy Carter
Wild about hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are one of our most beloved species of wildlife yet it's estimated that their numbers have declined by about 95% since the 1950s. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways that we can all help them to bounce back and thrive across our county once more.
For the past few years we've been running a survey to find out just where Worcestershire's hedgehogs live. More than 900 people have been in touch and from those sightings it seems that hedgehogs in our towns are doing okay. We have fewer records from Worcestershire's more rural areas, though, so we're keen to find out whether this is an absence of recorders or an absence of hedgehogs. Wherever you are in the county, please let us know if you've seen a hedgehog.
There are lots of ways we can all help hedgehogs where we live. Take a look below for insights into the world of our prickly pals as well advice on how you can give them a helping hand in your wild patch or neighbourhood.
If you'd like to discover more about hedgehogs and how you can help there where you live, why not download your free Wild About Gardens hedgehog booklet. From how many spines they have to how long they live for and from how to build a hedgehog home to how to make sure there's plenty of natural food for them, the booklet is full of hints and tips to help our snuffling neighbours.
You can also learn more about helping hedgehogs, including where to take injured hogs, on our Worcestershire's hedgehogs page.
Just because you haven't seen a hedgehog at home doesn't mean there isn't one (or more) around. How about creating a footprint trap to see if you've got an unseen nocturnal visitor?
Helping hedgehogs can be quick and easy. Why not speak to your neighbours about creating a hedgehog highway? See how our colleague Sadie has been helping them in her small Worcester garden...
We asked our social media followers for their hedgehog footage and this is what we got...
