Are you Hedgehog Aware?

Be Hedgehog Aware Sticker

Thank you so much for taking the time to buy my 'Be Hedgehog Aware' stickers.

I started the campaign to try to help reduce the number of hedgehog injuries and deaths from strimmers and mowers, and it's really taking off since Hyundai Power Products got behind it with 100,000 of their machines coming off their production line with my stickers on, and then donating 10,000 for me to send out.

If you've found this page and not yet bought any stickers (they make great gifts for friends and neighbours by the way!), please visit the shop. They are just £1.50 to cover postage and packing for a pack of 6.

 

 

Every year, many hedgehogs are injured or killed by strimmers and mowers, but there are 2 very simple things you can do to help reduce these injuries and deaths:

  1. Always check long grassy areas,hedgerows, underneath large plants, sheds or decking for hedgehogs and their nests before strimming or mowing.

  2. Be aware of piles of leaves and twigs, or tunnels through undergrowth – these could be a hedgehog nest.

But what if you discover a nest or a hedgehog when checking?

First of all, quickly and quietly cover it back up and leave it alone, unless the hedgehog appears injured, or you have disturbed a nest with hoglets (usually between May to September), in which case ring your nearest Hedgehog Rescue, or the Hedgehog Emergency Rescue Helpline on 01584 890 801 for advice.

A nest which has been disturbed and has hoglets could mean disaster, especially if Mum hasn't had time to bond with them - she could abandon them, or even kill them, so it's important to keep an eye on the area from a distance, and speak to your local resuce centre as quickly as possible.

If you're not sure what a hedgehog nest looks like, below is a picture of one from my garden, and a small video to watch.
As you'll see, they're not very stable or robust, often just made of leaves and twigs, which is why it's so important to check very carefully before you strim or mow.

Hedgehog Day Nest

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for supporting my campaign.

Every sticker helps, and could make the difference between helping hedgehogs survive and thrive, or sustaining terrible injuries like little Nakoa and Charlotte have below.

Nakoa
nikoa strimmer injury
Credit: Mandy Forwood
Charlotte
Strimmer Injury to Hedgehog credit Charlotte Reynolds
Credit: Charlotte Reynolds