Help for hedgehogs from village authority

HELP for hedgehogs is on hand thanks to a new national initiative being supported by Burbage Parish Council.

The scheme, organised by West Midlands based Willows Hedgehog Rescue, aims to raise awareness of the dangers caused to hedgehogs and other small animals by mowing and strimming.

A local resident highlighted the campaign to parish council and members were keen to comply with the code to help protect local hedgehogs and prevent any further decline in numbers.

Residents in other areas of the borough are also being urged to canvas their local councillors to get further authority support or lobby landscape garden firms and contractors.

Leaders of the large rescue organisation came up with the initiative in response to witnessing all too often the aftermath of the ‘careless’ use of garden equipment.

A spokesman said: “We see many times a year the horrific injuries, the orphaned hoglets, the hedgehogs that are too seriously injured and have to be put to sleep. We are talking about stomach churning injuries.”

The charity launched the national line and brush cutter (strimmer) awareness campaign, Working Together when it became apparent there was information on hedgehog safety for the general garden user there was none for professional landscapers or official agencies.

Part of the campaign involves the use of a large, triangular warning sign on garden cutting equipment for councils, contractors and professionals, as well as flyers and information to be included in manuals.

More information can be found at www.willowshedgehogrescue. co.uk/working-together-raisingstrimmer-awareness.html