TEENAGE hedgehog rescuers are showing developers how they can protect wildlife at risk around housing sites.
Hedgehog Friendly Town duo Kyra Barboutis and Sophie Smith recently met developer L&Q to advise how it could make its new housing site in Tiddington wildlife-friendly.
Measures include hedgehog-friendly fencing to allow them safe passage through the site by avoiding the roads, and hedgerows and low fencing to help wildlife move freely. Wild flowers and log piles are planned to encourage butterflies and insects.
Kyra said: “We understand there is a need for new homes to be built and we are especially thrilled that L&Q are working with us to ensure that they are protecting our wildlife as much as possible. I just hope that other developers follow suit.”
The duo helped developer Taylor Wimpey earlier this year to create a friendly environment for the animals on housing sites including ‘hedgehog highways’ and homes.
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust spokesman Ian Jelley, who also visited the site, added: “It is great to see that L&Q are open to advice on how to enhance their housing developments for the benefits of wildlife and people. The UK is one of the most nature depleted countries on earth and we can all play our part in its recovery.
By ensuring that their Tiddington development has ‘hedgehog highways’ allowing wildlife to move through holes in garden fences, L&Q are helping to ensure that species like hedgehogs can move from garden to garden to find food, shelter and a mate. We have to build new homes for people to meet demand, and it is important that we do so in a way that makes space for nature and safeguards it for future generations.”
