More than 180 ‘hogways’ were donated by East Yorkshire-based manufacturer Timloc
All residents are encouraged to record when they see a hedgehog in their garden or local area.(Image: Getty)
More than 180 specialised frames have been supplied to East Riding of Yorkshire Council to help local hedgehogs move between gardens and stay off busy roads. To support National Hedgehog Awareness Week, which runs from Sunday 3 to Saturday 9 May, these ‘hogways’ were donated by the local manufacturer Timloc.
Made from recycled and recyclable materials, the frames fit around small holes in fences and gates, allowing hedgehogs to roam safely in search of food, water and shelter. Frames are being provided to the Molescroft Wildlife Network and Greener Pocklington groups to be distributed among the local community.
They will also be available at the upcoming open day at Tophill Low Nature Reserve, and at Driffield Show. Residents are also encouraged to make their own 13 x 13 cm openings in fences if they do not have a frame.
The initiative aims to combat a worrying trend, as hedgehog populations have declined by up to 75% in rural areas and 30% in towns since 2000. East Riding of Yorkshire Council also supports the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (HEY LNRS), for which the hedgehog is a flagship species.
Councillor Paul West, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We’re delighted to promote the environment in the East Riding, and this is a fantastic way we can play our part to support local wildlife. We encourage all residents to install their own hogways, and log any hedgehogs they see.”
Residents can log their hogways, or hedgehog sightings here. By connecting gardens, the community can provide a safer landscape for the local wildlife.
Further information on how to support these efforts can be found at the British Hedgehog Preservation Society website, where residents can take a pledge to help during Hedgehog Awareness Week.
To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more, visit the Public Notices Portal.