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HOW TO ... CHOOSE HEDGEHOG- FRIENDLY FENCING with Jacksons Fencing
IN ORDER TO COMBAT THE DEVASTATING DECLINE OF THE UK ’ S HEDGEHOG POPULATION , THE HEDGEHOG-FRIENDLY FENCING CAMPAIGN , SPEARHEADED BY HEDGEHOG STREET , AIMS TO ESTABLISH HEDGEHOG HIGHWAYS TO PROTECT HABITATS AND LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS . KENT ’ S JACKSONS FENCING HAVE BEEN PIONEERS OF READYMADE HEDGEHOG-FRIENDLY FENCING SOLUTIONS WHICH ARE STILL STYLISH AND HARDWEARING .
The hedgehog population in the UK has been declining since the early 2000s . Over a third of the UK ’ s population has been lost in both rural and urban environments . Hedgehogs are crucial to local ecosystems , and humans have a huge impact on their lives so it ’ s important we reduce our impact and help hedgehogs as best we can . Due to efforts over recent years to raise awareness of the impacts and tactics to help reduce these , hedgehog populations are starting to see an increase in urban and suburban areas . This does not mean we can slow down on efforts to help ; we need to accelerate and keep going .
TAKING ACTION
In response to their rapidly declining numbers , the ‘ Hedgehog Friendly Fencing ’ campaign has been launched , spearheaded by Hedgehog Street , a collaboration between People ’ s Trust for Endangered Species ( PTES ) and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society ( BHPS ). The campaign aims to address the issue of habitat fragmentation , a major concern for hedgehogs in Britain .
HEDGEHOG HIGHWAYS
Central to the campaign is the establishment of ‘ Hedgehog Highways ’ as the industry standard in garden fencing , to ensure every fencing manufacturer has readymade hedgehog-friendly fencing as part of their standard range . Making it easy for hedgehogs to migrate freely will enable them to repopulate successfully . Creating tunnels or incorporating holes in fences facilitates their movement and ensures connectivity between gardens , allowing hedgehogs to travel up to two kilometres per night in search of mates , food and nesting sites .
By incorporating 13cm square gaps , known as Hedgehog Highways , in fences , the campaign seeks to facilitate hedgehogs ’ movement between gardens and green spaces . To drive change , the campaign encourages the public , Hedgehog Champions , and passionate volunteers , to reach out to local and national fencing companies using template letters provided by Hedgehog Street .
These letters request the inclusion of hedgehogfriendly fencing options , such as premade Hedgehog Highways in fences or gravel boards .
Jacksons Fencing was the first to develop specialist hedgehog gravel boards in 2015 , specifically designed with a hedgehog-sized hole to enable the animals to roam freely between gardens . These boards are made from high-quality timber treated with the Jakcure ® process , ensuring durability and longevity .
Cutting a 13cm x 13cm hole in both sides of your garden fence is another viable option that will leave enough room for hedgehogs to pass through while deterring larger animals . Always check with the manufacturer ’ s guidelines before cutting timber as it may need additional treatment .
OTHER PROTECTIVE MEASURES
In addition to hedgehog-friendly fencing , providing food and fresh water , ensuring easy access to ponds , leaving areas of the garden wild and undisturbed , and creating habitats with log piles , leaf piles , and compost heaps also contribute to improving hedgehog livelihoods .
Leigh Barnes , Jacksons Fencing , says : “ At Jacksons Fencing , we understand the urgency of addressing this issue and we ’ re committed to offering our customers sustainable , hedgehogfriendly solutions such as the Hedgehog Gravel Board . This aims to contribute to hedgehog conservation while promoting the larger goal of sustainability , too . There ’ s no doubt swift action must be taken to protect and restore hedgehog populations . Every effort counts , and together we can make a meaningful difference to these beloved creatures and the delicate ecosystems they inhabit .”
For more information visit : www . jacksons-fencing . co . uk / hedgehogfencing .
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