Guernsey Hedgehog Rescue Centre | Hedgehogs celebrate being voted icon of the environment

Hedgehogs celebrate being voted icon of the environment (12/01/07)

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society are delighted that the hedgehog has been voted top icon of the environment in an Environment Agency poll.1

Fay Vass,2 Chief Executive of the society said “It is great news that the much loved, popular hedgehog has also been recognised as an icon of the environment. We hope people will not take this favourite of British mammals for granted and will take steps to try to help hedgehogs in their gardens.”

Despite their popularity hedgehogs are still under threat from a cull carried out by Scottish Natural Heritage. There are hopes that the cull will be called off following a scientific study,3 commissioned by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and recently published, that shows relocating the animals to the mainland is a practical and humane option.

Numbers of hedgehogs are reported to be in decline. In response to this the British Hedgehog Preservation Society in partnership with the People’s Trust for Endangered Species launched HogWatch. The aim of the project is to build a picture of hedgehog numbers across the UK. People are asked to take part by completing a form online at www.hogwatch.org.uk or by calling BHPS on 01584 890 801 for a paper version. A spokesperson said “The more people that take part in HogWatch the better - but hurry, the survey ends this month.”

For information on how you can help the iconic hedgehog log on to www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk or write to BHPS, Hedgehog House, Dhustone, Ludlow, SY8 3PL.

Background Information

1: Environment Agency poll result can be found online at
http://www.icons.org.uk/introduction/partners/ea.

2: For interview call 01584 890 801 or 07736 466 963. High resolution photographs of hedgehogs are also available.

3: Warwick, H., P. Morris & D. Walker 2006. Survival and weight changes of hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) translocated from the Hebrides to Mainland Scotland. Lutra 49 (2): 89-102. The full paper will be emailed on request.

Issued by British Hedgehog Preservation Society
Hedgehog House, Dhustone, Ludlow. SY8 3PL
Tel: 01584 890 801
www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk

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