The dramatic decline in hedgehog numbers in recent years serves as an indicator of environmental health, signalling broader ecological imbalances threatening overall biodiversity. This makes for a depressing read, but all is not lost. In fact, during UK National Gardening Week (29thApril – 5th May) there are some very simple things we can all do to give our prickly friends (and other wildlife) a helping hand…
Biodiversity loss is a pressing concern worldwide, with the UK being no exception. With its diverse ecosystems, we are home to a wide array of flora and fauna, however many species are facing alarming declines, including the beloved hedgehog (Erinaceus Europaeus). These iconic mammals face severe challenges due to a combination of habitat loss, fragmentation, and other human-induced factors. As biodiversity dwindles, hedgehogs are particularly vulnerable, as they rely on diverse habitats for foraging, nesting, and hibernation.
Hedgerows, woodlands, and meadows are essential habitats for hedgehogs as they seek food, shelter, and safe routes through which to navigate, however urbanisation, agricultural intensification, and infrastructure development have led to the decline of all these. Throw in the use of pesticides and herbicides, and the delicately balanced ecosystem that hedgehogs inhabit has been properly disrupted.
Climate change of course exacerbates the challenges faced by hedgehogs and indeed other wildlife. Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns alter food availability and disrupt hibernation cycles, affecting survival rates for even the hardiest of creatures. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and floods, can also directly impact hedgehog populations, particularly those young or hibernating who suffer from severe dehydration, lack of food sources, or nests being washed away.
Broader ecological implications
The decline of hedgehogs in the UK is not only a conservation concern but has
broader ecological implications. Hedgehogs play a vital role in ecosystem
functioning such as through controlling insect populations. They serve as
indicators of environmental health with their decline signalling broader
ecological imbalances threatening overall biodiversity.
From Prickles to Parties
All this makes for depressing reading, and you may wonder why I’m writing about
it for the Party Without Plastic marketplace blog. Well, hedgehogs (or more precisely
my teenage son who has become one of the most well-known hedgehog champions in
the UK) were my inspiration behind starting the business (check out the Prickles to Parties ORB guest blog) and his mantra of think
globally but act locally has been a guiding light in getting the business off
the ground.
Top Tips
With a little thought and small actions, we can begin to
address the biodiversity loss and turn around the decline in hedgehog
population. At an individual and
community level, the following are quick and easy wins:
- Leaving a part of your garden to nature
- Put out a shallow dish of fresh water daily
- Create a 13cm hole in fencing to allow hedgehogs to roam gardens for food and of course mates
Preserving green spaces in communities is also a crucial step towards providing habitat connectivity for hedgehogs and other wildlife. At government levels, promoting sustainable land management practices, raising the importance of biodiversity conservation, and banning the use of pesticides and herbicides all have a positive impact on safeguarding hedgehogs and other wildlife and their habitats.
Think globally, act locally. Small steps really can make a difference 🦔🐾🦔🐾
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