Founder, Jennifer Manning-Ohren:<\/p>
\"To put it simply, Wild Things Keyworth is a voice of the natural world. \"<\/p><\/blockquote>
I have always walked, cycled and run and had \"car-free\" days, but 2020 was also the year I got rid of my ageing fossil fuel car.<\/p>
\"I pulled up the slabs and planted a tree, hedgerow and wildflowers, where my ageing fossil fuel car once stood. It was a symbolic act.\"<\/p><\/blockquote>
I wanted to find like-minded people who, like me, were dissatisfied with the rate of change to support the environment. Rapid habitat destruction was starting to play on my mind. I published blogs, photos, thoughts from the heart, poetry and prose from a wildlife perspective. It seemed to strike a chord.
Perhaps if I could find residents like me, we could all band together and start to add a chorus of voices in defence of the wildlife that desperately needs us to make provision.<\/p>\"I knew hedgehogs were in desperate need of human help, they were in my garden and I'd been support feeding them for a number of years. I'd already done a few leaflet drops. Did anyone else see or feed them in our village?\"<\/p><\/blockquote>
I encouraged people to send in views of the natural world. Photos that valued essential habitat. There was more and more hedgehog night trail cam footage and I put little films together.<\/p>
I was successful in gaining funding from Severn Trent on their Boost for Biodiversity scheme. Their funding would allow me to provide hedgehog support items to householders and put plans into action far more quickly.<\/p>
Hedgehogs can travel a mile a night, males even further, so creating gaps for them is a way of keeping them travelling from garden to garden, and giving them safer options.<\/p>
Soon I was coining the name Keyworth, \"Hedgehog Village\" and then local and national media got interested.<\/p>
In around 18 months at the end of 2021, Wild Things Keyworth had been nominated, shortlisted and then became winner of a local award...
The Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards - Environmental Project or Group of the Year 2021, sponsored by Streetwise.<\/p>\"The Hedgehogs were delighted!\"<\/p><\/blockquote>
fb.me\/wildthingskeyworth<\/strong><\/a><\/p>
In 2022, I was nominated and shortlisted for the prestigious Pride of Rushcliffe Award. This time I was runner up to friend Sam Perkins who has been doing all sorts of amazing things to help raise funds for MND with his charity Stand Against MND.<\/p>
<\/p>
Shortlisted nominees announced for the Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards | West Bridgford Wire<\/a><\/p>
<\/p><\/blockquote>"},"textColor":{"id":67377349,"value":"#{text.color}"}}},{"id":3136872,"type":"button","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":2,"items":[],"properties":{"text":{"id":67377350,"value":"Winner of the Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards - Environmental Project or Group of the Year 2021, sponsored by Streetwise."},"href":{"id":67377351,"value":"https:\/\/westbridgfordwire.com\/winners-and-nominees-praised-at-the-celebrating-rushcliffe-awards-2\/"},"borderRadius":{"id":67377352,"value":"#{feature.border.radius}"},"align":{"id":67377353,"value":"left"},"primaryColor":{"id":67377354,"value":"#{button.primary.color}"},"secondaryColor":{"id":67377355,"value":"#{text.color}"},"primary":{"id":67377356,"value":"0"}}}],"properties":{"icon":{"id":12988240,"value":"{\"prefix\":\"fal\",\"iconName\":\"stars\",\"icon\":[512,512,[],\"f762\",\"M509.05273,219.03853l-39.71289-16.56934-16.55859-39.73866a5.32506,5.32506,0,0,0-9.541,0l-16.56054,39.73866-39.71094,16.56934a5.33947,5.33947,0,0,0,0,9.54721L426.67969,245.157l16.56054,39.73671a5.3235,5.3235,0,0,0,9.541,0L469.33984,245.157l39.71289-16.57129a5.33947,5.33947,0,0,0,0-9.54721ZM364.30049,267.08,259.38106,251.77833,212.46892,156.549a22.735,22.735,0,0,0-20.59634-12.7878A22.40581,22.40581,0,0,0,171.37,156.549l-46.91214,95.22933L19.6322,267.08C.84859,269.76557-6.65235,293.06155,6.94311,306.349l75.91578,74.05684L64.85663,485.01914A23.00313,23.00313,0,0,0,87.45322,512a22.60025,22.60025,0,0,0,10.68884-2.6856l93.82428-49.37123,93.82429,49.37123A23.38328,23.38328,0,0,0,296.38571,512a23.09547,23.09547,0,0,0,22.69035-26.88718l-17.9085-104.61329,75.91578-74.05685C390.6788,293.06155,383.0841,269.87487,364.30049,267.08ZM266.78824,369.28873l17.596,103.14558-92.51162-48.7779L99.361,472.43431l17.596-103.14558L42.26,296.1531l103.388-15.08305,46.31831-93.83969,46.19331,93.83969L341.57888,296.1531ZM423.1875,81.33009,374.59375,57.01744,350.3125,8.17327c-5.40625-10.89769-23.21875-10.89769-28.625,0L297.40625,56.81419,248.8125,81.12683A16.04689,16.04689,0,0,0,240,95.433a16.46336,16.46336,0,0,0,8.8125,14.50941L297.40625,134.255,321.6875,182.896A16.07056,16.07056,0,0,0,336,191.79235a15.87374,15.87374,0,0,0,14.3125-8.8964L374.59375,134.255l48.59375-24.31264a16.0185,16.0185,0,0,0,0-28.6123ZM355.5,107.94109a16.19316,16.19316,0,0,0-7.1875,7.2078L336,139.86805l-12.3125-24.71916a16.75685,16.75685,0,0,0-7.1875-7.2078L291.8125,95.54243,316.5,83.12813a16.11584,16.11584,0,0,0,7.1875-7.2078L336,51.20117l12.3125,24.71916a16.59161,16.59161,0,0,0,7.1875,7.2078l24.6875,12.4143Z\"],\"value\":\"stars\",\"selected\":true}"},"title":{"id":12988241,"value":"Wild Things Keyworth - Scroll down to read how we started"},"backgroundColor":{"id":12988243,"value":"#{text.background.color}"},"padding":{"id":12988247,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":12988248,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":12988249,"value":"#{text.fullBackground.color}"},"conditions":{"id":12988250,"value":"[]"},"published":{"id":65369708,"value":"1"},"direction":{"id":67377101,"value":"column"},"textColor":{"id":67377102,"value":"#{text.color}"},"buttonText":{"id":67377103,"value":"Winner of the Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards - Environmental Project or Group of the Year 2021, sponsored by Streetwise."},"copy":{"id":67377104,"value":"
How Wild Things Keyworth started.<\/h2>
Founder, Jennifer Manning-Ohren:<\/p>
\"To put it simply, Wild Things Keyworth is a voice of the natural world. \"<\/p><\/blockquote>
I have always walked, cycled and run and had \"car-free\" days, but 2020 was also the year I got rid of my ageing fossil fuel car.<\/p>
\"I pulled up the slabs and planted a tree, hedgerow and wildflowers, where my ageing fossil fuel car once stood. It was a symbolic act.\"<\/p><\/blockquote>
I wanted to find like-minded people who, like me, were dissatisfied with the rate of change to support the environment. Rapid habitat destruction was starting to play on my mind. I published blogs, photos, thoughts from the heart, poetry and prose from a wildlife perspective. It seemed to strike a chord.
Perhaps if I could find residents like me, we could all band together and start to add a chorus of voices in defence of the wildlife that desperately needs us to make provision.<\/p>\"I knew hedgehogs were in desperate need of human help, they were in my garden and I'd been support feeding them for a number of years. I'd already done a few leaflet drops. Did anyone else see or feed them in our village?\"<\/p><\/blockquote>
I encouraged people to send in views of the natural world. Photos that valued essential habitat. There was more and more hedgehog night trail cam footage and I put little films together.<\/p>
I was successful in gaining funding from Severn Trent on their Boost for Biodiversity scheme. Their funding would allow me to provide hedgehog support items to householders and put plans into action far more quickly.<\/p>
Hedgehogs can travel a mile a night, males even further, so creating gaps for them is a way of keeping them travelling from garden to garden, and giving them safer options.<\/p>
Soon I was coining the name Keyworth, \"Hedgehog Village\" and then local and national media got interested.<\/p>
In around 18 months at the end of 2021, Wild Things Keyworth had been nominated, shortlisted and then became winner of a local award...
The Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards - Environmental Project or Group of the Year 2021, sponsored by Streetwise.<\/p>\"The Hedgehogs were delighted!\"<\/p><\/blockquote>
fb.me\/wildthingskeyworth<\/strong><\/a><\/p>
In 2022, I was nominated and shortlisted for the prestigious Pride of Rushcliffe Award. This time I was runner up to friend Sam Perkins who has been doing all sorts of amazing things to help raise funds for MND with his charity Stand Against MND.<\/p>
<\/p>
Shortlisted nominees announced for the Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards | West Bridgford Wire<\/a><\/p>
<\/p><\/blockquote>"},"template":{"id":67377105,"value":"feature"}}},{"id":926593,"type":"grid","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":2,"items":[{"id":926594,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":12988393,"value":"Wild Things Keyworth"},"copy":{"id":12988394,"value":"The Keyworth Hedgehog Highway. Artwork by Liz Waddell"},"image":{"id":12988395,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/4g9blctmkdeouyfve17i9esflmxwv0yca7mksdobjmlvokg0.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"iconShadow":{"id":12988399,"value":"light"},"icon":{"id":12988402,"value":null},"iconSize":{"id":12988403,"value":"2"},"iconColour":{"id":12988404,"value":"#FFFFFF"},"href":{"id":12988405,"value":null},"padding":{"id":12988409,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":12988410,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":12988411,"value":"#fff0"},"conditions":{"id":12988412,"value":"[]"},"textAlign":{"id":18208894,"value":"center"},"textColor":{"id":18208895,"value":"#fff"},"textShadow":{"id":18208896,"value":"#{text.shadow}"},"horizontalAlign":{"id":18208897,"value":"center"},"verticalAlign":{"id":18208898,"value":"center"},"borderRadius":{"id":18208899,"value":"#{image.border.radius}"},"overlay":{"id":18208900,"value":"1"},"template":{"id":18208901,"value":"pod"},"ratio":{"id":18208902,"value":"4:3"}}},{"id":926595,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":1,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":12988414,"value":"Hedgehog entering my garden"},"copy":{"id":12988415,"value":"Gaps under or through fences, walls, gates."},"image":{"id":12988416,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/evy4thau0zy0v2ibmecdhawmmw0w7gjpj0i5goombfpcvswa.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"iconShadow":{"id":12988420,"value":"light"},"icon":{"id":12988423,"value":null},"iconSize":{"id":12988424,"value":"2"},"iconColour":{"id":12988425,"value":"#FFFFFF"},"href":{"id":12988426,"value":"\/the-hhhhs\/"},"padding":{"id":12988430,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":12988431,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":12988432,"value":"#fff0"},"conditions":{"id":12988433,"value":"[]"},"textAlign":{"id":18208903,"value":"center"},"textColor":{"id":18208904,"value":"#fff"},"textShadow":{"id":18208905,"value":"#{text.shadow}"},"horizontalAlign":{"id":18208906,"value":"center"},"verticalAlign":{"id":18208907,"value":"center"},"borderRadius":{"id":18208908,"value":"#{image.border.radius}"},"overlay":{"id":18208909,"value":"1"},"template":{"id":18208910,"value":"pod"},"ratio":{"id":18208911,"value":"4:3"}}},{"id":926596,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":2,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":12988435,"value":"Hedgehog exiting the garden"},"copy":{"id":12988436,"value":"Hedgehogs need access to come and go"},"image":{"id":12988437,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/2bdxfql0crj8vbynhielb1eidh1kevpfaqbdyx1iqwqxd2sk.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"textAlign":{"id":12988438,"value":"center"},"textColor":{"id":12988439,"value":"#fff"},"textShadow":{"id":12988440,"value":"#{text.shadow}"},"iconShadow":{"id":12988441,"value":"light"},"horizontalAlign":{"id":12988442,"value":"center"},"verticalAlign":{"id":12988443,"value":"center"},"icon":{"id":12988444,"value":null},"iconSize":{"id":12988445,"value":"2"},"iconColour":{"id":12988446,"value":"#FFFFFF"},"href":{"id":12988447,"value":"\/the-hhhhs\/"},"borderRadius":{"id":12988448,"value":"#{image.border.radius}"},"overlay":{"id":12988449,"value":"1"},"padding":{"id":12988451,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":12988452,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":12988453,"value":"#fff0"},"conditions":{"id":12988454,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":12988455,"value":"4:3"},"template":{"id":18208912,"value":"pod"}}}],"properties":{"limit":{"id":12988385,"value":"2"},"breakpoints":{"id":12988387,"value":"{\"xs\":1,\"sm\":3}"},"padding":{"id":12988389,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":12988390,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":12988391,"value":"#fff0"},"conditions":{"id":12988392,"value":"[]"},"title":{"id":18208891,"value":null},"align":{"id":18208892,"value":"center"},"template":{"id":18208893,"value":"gate"}}},{"id":926597,"type":"row","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":3,"items":[{"id":3067586,"type":"row","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[{"id":3067587,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":65396378,"value":null},"copy":{"id":65396379,"value":null},"media":{"id":65396380,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":65396381,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/uflgpam5r6aamar2eo8dzacozdd6a1nb9f0aeqvjud8qaoq3.png.png?w=auto&h=auto&fy=0.30480302012908\",\"alt\":\"Wild Things logo 2023\"}"},"video":{"id":65396382,"value":"#{video.default}"},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":65396383,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":65396384,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":65396385,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":65396386,"value":"#"},"borderRadius":{"id":65396387,"value":"#{image.border.radius}"},"template":{"id":65396388,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":65396389,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":65396390,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":65396391,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":65396392,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":65396393,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":65396394,"value":"short"}}},{"id":3067588,"type":"grid","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":1,"items":[{"id":3067589,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":65396396,"value":null},"copy":{"id":65396397,"value":null},"media":{"id":65396398,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":65396399,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/ihx1nmgaccp2kiull7gurdd12bxxlrysvldgtzybhcqtule8.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":65396400,"value":"#{video.default}"},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":65396401,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":65396402,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":65396403,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":65396404,"value":"#"},"borderRadius":{"id":65396405,"value":"#{feature.border.radius}"},"template":{"id":65396406,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":65396407,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":65396408,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":65396409,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":65396410,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":65396411,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":65396412,"value":"short"}}},{"id":3067590,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":1,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":65396413,"value":null},"copy":{"id":65396414,"value":null},"media":{"id":65396415,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":65396416,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/5t4odvo99orsgps3xhycgrjvncy09rnn0u24id1r2edemget.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":65396417,"value":"#{video.default}"},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":65396418,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":65396419,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":65396420,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":65396421,"value":"#"},"borderRadius":{"id":65396422,"value":"#{feature.border.radius}"},"template":{"id":65396423,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":65396424,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":65396425,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":65396426,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":65396427,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":65396428,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":65396429,"value":"short"}}},{"id":3067591,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":2,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":65396430,"value":null},"copy":{"id":65396431,"value":null},"media":{"id":65396432,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":65396433,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/nasr4pp8ivctixzucejbp9zknpo9ivty8xcqpmesstrftjt7.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":65396434,"value":"#{video.default}"},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":65396435,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":65396436,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":65396437,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":65396438,"value":"#"},"borderRadius":{"id":65396439,"value":"#{feature.border.radius}"},"template":{"id":65396440,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":65396441,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":65396442,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":65396443,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":65396444,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":65396445,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":65396446,"value":"short"}}},{"id":3067592,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":3,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":65396447,"value":null},"copy":{"id":65396448,"value":null},"media":{"id":65396449,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":65396450,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/i9e7o7ztq0tlsj7hirf38fs6mojrerq59xkmsyhrscrpzftw.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":65396451,"value":"#{video.default}"},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":65396452,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":65396453,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":65396454,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":65396455,"value":"#"},"borderRadius":{"id":65396456,"value":"#{feature.border.radius}"},"template":{"id":65396457,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":65396458,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":65396459,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":65396460,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":65396461,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":65396462,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":65396463,"value":"short"}}}],"properties":{"breakpoints":{"id":65396395,"value":"{\"xs\":2}"}}}],"properties":{"direction":{"id":65396376,"value":"row"},"padding":{"id":65396377,"value":"2"}}},{"id":3067593,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":1,"items":[],"properties":{"padding":{"id":65396464,"value":"2"},"html":{"id":65396465,"value":"
Wild Things Keyworth - values<\/h2>
Wild Things Keyworth is a not-for-profit community group. To inspire more thoughtful choices, to walk, run and cycle, go organic, buy ethically and sustainably or perhaps 'grow our own' and become more self sufficient.
Wild Things Keyworth creates gaps for hedgehogs through fences, walls and gates in the village of Keyworth, Notts UK and has been helping other areas to try and get started with their own Hedgehog Highways. Sharing knowledge and equipment to East Leake, Vale Hedgehogs and Lady Bay.
Ideally we want to inspire people to add in more native hedgerow and trees and steer away from the unhelpful synthetic.<\/p>\"Once you see the connection between what we do as humans and the harm created for our wildlife friends, you cannot unsee it. You must act\"<\/p><\/blockquote>
We take before and after photos of gaps made, to show the improvement for nature and then set up cameras after dark. Hedgehogs often find the gaps the same night, within hours of darkness. When people see the films they are amazed at how quickly gaps are found and used by hedgehogs.<\/p>All the evidence is there.
<\/p><\/blockquote>Wild Things Keyworth seeks to:<\/h2>
Highlight the plight of wildlife and particularly our at risk Hedgehogs<\/p><\/li>
Compliment and align with the valued work of the BHPS, PTES, Hedgehog Street, the Wildlife Trusts, The Woodland Trust, RSPB and similar wildlife friendly organisations<\/p><\/li>
Choose sustainable and ethical products where possible, which support rather than harm the environment<\/p><\/li>
Approach councils, businesses and organisations to raise awareness and share knowledge to support hedgehogs. In particular, housing developers, builders, gardeners, fencers (for example pre drilled panels exist for householders)<\/p><\/li>
Link up with organisations that think like us and also those that don't to inspire change<\/p><\/li>
Support hedgehog rescues in the area<\/p><\/li>
Not only talk, but act - 'retro-fitting' the necessary 'highways' and interconnectivity for wildlife and creating awareness in the community. Showing the before and after effect of our work.<\/p><\/li>
Help all wildlife by 'getting it right for hedgehogs.'<\/p><\/li>
Understand and impart the diverse issues that have affected hedgehog populations - sharing this information with different age groups<\/p><\/li>
Giving talks, attending schools and clubs<\/p><\/li>
Continuing to learn, keep up to date and improve as we go<\/p><\/li>
Helping to add in or restore natural habitat<\/p><\/li>
Getting the message out there<\/p><\/li>
\"Doing it for the hogs\"<\/p><\/li><\/ul>"},"textColor":{"id":65396466,"value":"#{text.color}"}}}],"properties":{"icon":{"id":12988457,"value":null},"title":{"id":12988458,"value":"Our Values"},"backgroundColor":{"id":12988460,"value":"#{text.background.color}"},"buttonText":{"id":12988461,"value":null},"padding":{"id":12988464,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":12988465,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":12988466,"value":"#{text.fullBackground.color}"},"conditions":{"id":12988467,"value":"[]"},"published":{"id":65370002,"value":"1"},"direction":{"id":65396372,"value":"column"},"textColor":{"id":65396373,"value":"#{text.color}"},"copy":{"id":65396374,"value":"
Wild Things Keyworth - values<\/h2>
Wild Things Keyworth is a not-for-profit community group. To inspire more thoughtful choices, to walk, run and cycle, go organic, buy ethically and sustainably or perhaps 'grow our own' and become more self sufficient.
Wild Things Keyworth creates gaps for hedgehogs through fences, walls and gates in the village of Keyworth, Notts UK and has been helping other areas to try and get started with their own Hedgehog Highways. Sharing knowledge and equipment to East Leake, Vale Hedgehogs and Lady Bay.
Ideally we want to inspire people to add in more native hedgerow and trees and steer away from the unhelpful synthetic.<\/p>\"Once you see the connection between what we do as humans and the harm created for our wildlife friends, you cannot unsee it. You must act\"<\/p><\/blockquote>
We take before and after photos of gaps made, to show the improvement for nature and then set up cameras after dark. Hedgehogs often find the gaps the same night, within hours of darkness. When people see the films they are amazed at how quickly gaps are found and used by hedgehogs.<\/p>All the evidence is there.
<\/p><\/blockquote>Wild Things Keyworth seeks to:<\/h2>
Highlight the plight of wildlife and particularly our at risk Hedgehogs<\/p><\/li>
Compliment and align with the valued work of the BHPS, PTES, Hedgehog Street, the Wildlife Trusts, The Woodland Trust, RSPB and similar wildlife friendly organisations<\/p><\/li>
Choose sustainable and ethical products where possible, which support rather than harm the environment<\/p><\/li>
Approach councils, businesses and organisations to raise awareness and share knowledge to support hedgehogs. In particular, housing developers, builders, gardeners, fencers (for example pre drilled panels exist for householders)<\/p><\/li>
Link up with organisations that think like us and also those that don't to inspire change<\/p><\/li>
Support hedgehog rescues in the area<\/p><\/li>
Not only talk, but act - 'retro-fitting' the necessary 'highways' and interconnectivity for wildlife and creating awareness in the community. Showing the before and after effect of our work.<\/p><\/li>
Help all wildlife by 'getting it right for hedgehogs.'<\/p><\/li>
Understand and impart the diverse issues that have affected hedgehog populations - sharing this information with different age groups<\/p><\/li>
Giving talks, attending schools and clubs<\/p><\/li>
Continuing to learn, keep up to date and improve as we go<\/p><\/li>
Helping to add in or restore natural habitat<\/p><\/li>
Getting the message out there<\/p><\/li>
\"Doing it for the hogs\"<\/p><\/li><\/ul>"},"template":{"id":65396375,"value":"feature"}}},{"id":926602,"type":"row","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":5,"items":[{"id":926603,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":12988541,"value":"Wild Things Keyworth"},"image":{"id":12988542,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/kmy7ebsyx02bqiqjxwoiutekv8d0gau4zzc4vjg3dpr4cp4n.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"href":{"id":12988543,"value":"\/product\/the-hedgehogs-are-delighted-with-qr-codes-women\/"},"borderRadius":{"id":12988545,"value":"#{image.border.radius}"},"padding":{"id":12988547,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":12988548,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":12988549,"value":"#fff0"},"conditions":{"id":12988550,"value":"[]"},"overlay":{"id":66314183,"value":"1"},"template":{"id":66314184,"value":"pod"},"published":{"id":66314185,"value":"1"},"ratio":{"id":66314186,"value":"square"}}},{"id":3100562,"type":"grid","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":1,"items":[{"id":3100563,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":66314188,"value":"Tunnel gap under a fence"},"image":{"id":66314189,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/lctwueqg39bqecvbvlukbh2onzt4a6soy8lit8bxxclv6dns.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"href":{"id":66314190,"value":null},"overlay":{"id":66314191,"value":"1"},"borderRadius":{"id":66314192,"value":"#{image.border.radius}"},"template":{"id":66314193,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":66314194,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":66314195,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":66314196,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":66314197,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":66314198,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":66314199,"value":"square"}}},{"id":3100564,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":1,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":66314200,"value":"The pilot hole through concrete fencing"},"image":{"id":66314201,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/v7jbjtzxd2wsbiirzvhyxud85x9sylrlbuu9nciabmznogz2.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"href":{"id":66314202,"value":null},"overlay":{"id":66314203,"value":"1"},"borderRadius":{"id":66314204,"value":"#{image.border.radius}"},"template":{"id":66314205,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":66314206,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":66314207,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":66314208,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":66314209,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":66314210,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":66314211,"value":"square"}}},{"id":3100565,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":2,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":66314212,"value":"Doing it for the hogs"},"image":{"id":66314213,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/fomlknfnppb9f1cfuor3zheangysdkidtjhzgfitd24noqcx.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"href":{"id":66314214,"value":null},"overlay":{"id":66314215,"value":"1"},"borderRadius":{"id":66314216,"value":"#{image.border.radius}"},"template":{"id":66314217,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":66314218,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":66314219,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":66314220,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":66314221,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":66314222,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":66314223,"value":"square"}}},{"id":3100566,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":3,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":66314224,"value":"Hogs need access to a variety of gardens"},"image":{"id":66314225,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/jejelzwbncmv2ecvwbp8tb45piaci21fgpsazve1r81awa1v.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"href":{"id":66314226,"value":null},"overlay":{"id":66314227,"value":"1"},"borderRadius":{"id":66314228,"value":"#{image.border.radius}"},"template":{"id":66314229,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":66314230,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":66314231,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":66314232,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":66314233,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":66314234,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":66314235,"value":"square"}}}],"properties":{"breakpoints":{"id":66314187,"value":"{\"xs\":2}"}}}],"properties":{"direction":{"id":12988533,"value":"row"},"limit":{"id":12988534,"value":"5"},"reversed":{"id":12988535,"value":"0"},"padding":{"id":12988537,"value":"1"},"fullWidth":{"id":12988538,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":12988539,"value":"#fff0"},"conditions":{"id":12988540,"value":"[]"},"template":{"id":66314181,"value":"photo-gallery"},"published":{"id":66314182,"value":"1"}}},{"id":926609,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":6,"items":[],"properties":{"html":{"id":12988597,"value":"
Follow us on Facebook<\/span><\/a><\/h3>"},"borderRadius":{"id":12988598,"value":"#{text.border.radius}"},"textColor":{"id":12988599,"value":"#{text.color}"},"backgroundColour":{"id":12988600,"value":"#{text.background.color}"},"truncateHeight":{"id":12988601,"value":null},"padding":{"id":12988603,"value":"1"},"fullWidth":{"id":12988604,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":12988605,"value":"#{text.fullBackground.color}"},"conditions":{"id":12988606,"value":"[]"},"template":{"id":13370900,"value":"text"}}},{"id":926610,"type":"button","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":7,"items":[],"properties":{"text":{"id":12988607,"value":"Contact"},"href":{"id":12988608,"value":"\/contact\/"},"primary":{"id":12988609,"value":"0"},"borderRadius":{"id":12988612,"value":"#{button.border.radius}"},"size":{"id":12988613,"value":"standard"},"align":{"id":12988614,"value":"center"},"padding":{"id":12988616,"value":"3"},"fullWidth":{"id":12988617,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":12988618,"value":"#{button.fullBackground.color}"},"conditions":{"id":12988619,"value":"[]"},"primaryColor":{"id":13380768,"value":"#{button.primary.color}"},"secondaryColor":{"id":13380769,"value":"#{button.secondary.color}"},"template":{"id":13380770,"value":"button"}}},{"id":927019,"type":"row","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":4,"items":[{"id":3067594,"type":"grid","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[{"id":3067595,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":0,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":65396475,"value":"Gaps drilled through concrete based fences"},"copy":{"id":65396476,"value":"Nick was the sole volunteer driller in 2021."},"media":{"id":65396477,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":65396478,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/icnkxxdvvcgevkntvxlu0u7ehtgtaiw2rkceff7n4gxc2ic9.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":65396479,"value":null},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":65396480,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":65396481,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":65396482,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":65396483,"value":null},"borderRadius":{"id":65396484,"value":"#{feature.border.radius}"},"template":{"id":65396485,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":65396486,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":65396487,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":65396488,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":65396489,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":65396490,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":65396491,"value":"short"}}},{"id":3067596,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":1,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":65396492,"value":"The first Gap Surround ever made"},"copy":{"id":65396493,"value":"Made from re-purposed pallets by Dunstans Design in Wood of Wymeswold and artwork by Liz Waddell"},"media":{"id":65396494,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":65396495,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/ic3kacxynsc7yhmh4yjdu31ynymutngglfjcwjarelz0nu9o.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":65396496,"value":"#{video.default}"},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":65396497,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":65396498,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":65396499,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":65396500,"value":"#"},"borderRadius":{"id":65396501,"value":"#{feature.border.radius}"},"template":{"id":65396502,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":65396503,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":65396504,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":65396505,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":65396506,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":65396507,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":65396508,"value":"short"}}},{"id":3067597,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":2,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":65396509,"value":"Hedgehog houses and bedding"},"copy":{"id":65396510,"value":"We provide support items for our 'Super Hedgehog Carers' in Keyworth"},"media":{"id":65396511,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":65396512,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/kyoh3p3max9b5xmnwmzd0hvx6vsn9mnkpicgp86vhx873hph.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":65396513,"value":"#{video.default}"},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":65396514,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":65396515,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":65396516,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":65396517,"value":"#"},"borderRadius":{"id":65396518,"value":"#{feature.border.radius}"},"template":{"id":65396519,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":65396520,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":65396521,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":65396522,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":65396523,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":65396524,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":65396525,"value":"short"}}},{"id":3067598,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":3,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":65396526,"value":"Gaps for Hedgehogs"},"copy":{"id":65396527,"value":"We make gaps in human made structures for Hedgehogs"},"media":{"id":65396528,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":65396529,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/nmpvhytt6mb9z9hkorlojy0ksnlq9obmhxo2gthlcopbkjhq.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":65396530,"value":"#{video.default}"},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":65396531,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":65396532,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":65396533,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":65396534,"value":"#"},"borderRadius":{"id":65396535,"value":"#{feature.border.radius}"},"template":{"id":65396536,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":65396537,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":65396538,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":65396539,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":65396540,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":65396541,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":65396542,"value":"short"}}},{"id":3067599,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":4,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":65396543,"value":null},"copy":{"id":65396544,"value":null},"media":{"id":65396545,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":65396546,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/6l5icjzgkwnihpzmmgb0wpx9bjfdudz4pkqw9y7ppsmbmop8.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":65396547,"value":"#{video.default}"},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":65396548,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":65396549,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":65396550,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":65396551,"value":"#"},"borderRadius":{"id":65396552,"value":"#{feature.border.radius}"},"template":{"id":65396553,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":65396554,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":65396555,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":65396556,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":65396557,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":65396558,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":65396559,"value":"short"}}},{"id":3067600,"type":"pod","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":5,"items":[],"properties":{"title":{"id":65396560,"value":null},"copy":{"id":65396561,"value":null},"media":{"id":65396562,"value":"image"},"image":{"id":65396563,"value":"{\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.podos.io\\\/iucvrrha9vqk9wgntqzewlesdidlnwwjuo9anvxkzkszpat8.jpeg.jpg?w=auto&h=auto\",\"alt\":\"\"}"},"video":{"id":65396564,"value":"#{video.default}"},"autoplayInBackground":{"id":65396565,"value":"1"},"titleSize":{"id":65396566,"value":"1"},"overlay":{"id":65396567,"value":"1"},"href":{"id":65396568,"value":"#"},"borderRadius":{"id":65396569,"value":"#{feature.border.radius}"},"template":{"id":65396570,"value":"pod"},"padding":{"id":65396571,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":65396572,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":65396573,"value":"#fff0"},"published":{"id":65396574,"value":"1"},"conditions":{"id":65396575,"value":"[]"},"ratio":{"id":65396576,"value":"short"}}}],"properties":{"padding":{"id":65396472,"value":"2"},"breakpoints":{"id":65396473,"value":"{\"xs\":2,\"md\":2,\"lg\":4,\"xl\":4}"},"spacing":{"id":65396474,"value":null}}},{"id":3067601,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":1,"items":[],"properties":{"padding":{"id":65396577,"value":"2"},"html":{"id":65396578,"value":"
Drilling Gaps<\/h2>
The gap surrounds are made of repurposed pallets by Dunstan Designs in Wood. The added art flourishes are by local Keyworth based artist Liz Waddell. Together the finished surrounds turn these gaps into a delight and tie the whole project together. Of course the gaps themselves are enough, but the beauty of the surrounds, is that people notice them and love them.
We also use the BHPS green plaques (made from recycled plastic) which are promises to keep the gaps open for hedgehogs. What we are doing in Keyworth is creating a legacy for our hogs and personalising it. We have gifted gap surrounds to other parts of the country to get people thinking about their own Hedgehog highway.<\/p>A Few Thanks<\/strong>
Thanks to Hedgepigs Beeston for the invaluable drill training and lending of our first drill. To PetsBits Keyworth for the welcome packs and help with competition prizes in the early days. To Simon Dunstan and Liz Waddell Artist for help with sustainable prizes.<\/p>Thanks to active volunteers Nick, Gill, Mark, Margaret \"Margaret's Walks\" and all the 'Super Hedgehog Carers' for their continued determination.<\/p>
\"Doing it for the hogs\"<\/p>"},"textColor":{"id":65396579,"value":"#{text.color}"}}}],"properties":{"title":{"id":12995871,"value":"Drilling Gaps"},"backgroundColor":{"id":12995873,"value":"#{text.background.color}"},"padding":{"id":12995877,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":12995878,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":12995879,"value":"#{text.fullBackground.color}"},"conditions":{"id":12995880,"value":"[]"},"icon":{"id":13011214,"value":"{\"prefix\":\"fal\",\"iconName\":\"galaxy\",\"icon\":[512,512,[],\"f908\",\"M255.99959,192.00854a63.9983,63.9983,0,1,0,63.99865,63.9983A64.07181,64.07181,0,0,0,255.99959,192.00854Zm0,95.99744a31.99915,31.99915,0,1,1,31.99932-31.99914A31.99832,31.99832,0,0,1,255.99959,288.006Zm250.46349-21.09319-.03125-.01562C489.18219,193.74287,428.121,134.74445,354.59127,120.073a206.301,206.301,0,0,0-40.28627-4.02919,196.07944,196.07944,0,0,0-20.55621,1.07614A106.75469,106.75469,0,0,1,344.56023,71.293C374.41507,58.54141,383.58285.01953,313.95735,0a204.93571,204.93571,0,0,0-47.083,5.5604c-73.12347,17.29641-132.12223,78.326-146.80942,151.87094a202.428,202.428,0,0,0-2.84369,60.87338A106.56506,106.56506,0,0,1,71.28471,167.478C56.4569,132.69372,4.77439,140.39274,1.00494,178.19641a201.27566,201.27566,0,0,0,4.5624,66.92009C22.817,318.2708,83.8782,377.26922,157.4079,391.94071a204.38064,204.38064,0,0,0,40.18276,4.035,197.5223,197.5223,0,0,0,20.65972-1.082,106.75465,106.75465,0,0,1-50.81144,45.8269C137.61535,453.45859,128.43781,512,198.0008,512a205.81012,205.81012,0,0,0,47.124-5.54673c73.12347-17.29641,132.12223-78.326,146.80942-151.87094a202.428,202.428,0,0,0,2.84369-60.87338,106.56506,106.56506,0,0,1,45.93654,50.82677c14.904,34.96391,66.524,26.93483,70.27978-10.71846A201.96274,201.96274,0,0,0,506.46308,266.91279Zm-27.31,63.72877c-.4414,4.40418-6.95689,6.13656-9.01739,1.31247a138.94319,138.94319,0,0,0-59.73312-66.17011c-22.59719-12.64224-50.163,5.48618-47.44823,31.27651a170.17135,170.17135,0,0,1-2.40034,51.25449c-12.279,61.4925-61.62761,112.5302-122.75133,126.98879a169.93235,169.93235,0,0,1-56.40506,3.85732,4.69412,4.69412,0,0,1-1.36912-9.02124,139.25291,139.25291,0,0,0,66.11385-59.56091c11.97436-21.29631-3.44524-47.68427-27.88613-47.68427-4.89443,0-24.96237,3.59951-54.58675-2.33588C102.15516,348.28562,51.1367,298.94124,36.70341,237.73584a169.4596,169.4596,0,0,1-3.85735-56.36568c.4375-4.37293,6.95884-6.13851,9.01739-1.31051a138.952,138.952,0,0,0,59.73313,66.1701C124.1,258.81731,151.7713,240.849,149.0448,214.95129a170.17168,170.17168,0,0,1,2.40034-51.25449C167.1245,85.17937,242.46667,23.808,330.60349,32.85069a4.69617,4.69617,0,0,1,1.36716,9.02319,139.24308,139.24308,0,0,0-66.11385,59.56091c-11.97436,21.29631,3.44524,47.68427,27.88614,47.68427,4.7831,0,24.79635-3.58584,54.58674,2.33393C428.58386,167.46428,487.97128,243.86849,479.15311,330.64156Z\"],\"value\":\"galaxy\",\"selected\":true}"},"buttonText":{"id":13378753,"value":null},"direction":{"id":65396467,"value":"column"},"textColor":{"id":65396468,"value":"#{text.color}"},"copy":{"id":65396469,"value":"
Drilling Gaps<\/h2>
The gap surrounds are made of repurposed pallets by Dunstan Designs in Wood. The added art flourishes are by local Keyworth based artist Liz Waddell. Together the finished surrounds turn these gaps into a delight and tie the whole project together. Of course the gaps themselves are enough, but the beauty of the surrounds, is that people notice them and love them.
We also use the BHPS green plaques (made from recycled plastic) which are promises to keep the gaps open for hedgehogs. What we are doing in Keyworth is creating a legacy for our hogs and personalising it. We have gifted gap surrounds to other parts of the country to get people thinking about their own Hedgehog highway.<\/p>A Few Thanks<\/strong>
Thanks to Hedgepigs Beeston for the invaluable drill training and lending of our first drill. To PetsBits Keyworth for the welcome packs and help with competition prizes in the early days. To Simon Dunstan and Liz Waddell Artist for help with sustainable prizes.<\/p>Thanks to active volunteers Nick, Gill, Mark, Margaret \"Margaret's Walks\" and all the 'Super Hedgehog Carers' for their continued determination.<\/p>
\"Doing it for the hogs\"<\/p>"},"template":{"id":65396470,"value":"feature"},"published":{"id":65396471,"value":"1"}}},{"id":1126694,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":8,"items":[],"properties":{"html":{"id":16975690,"value":"
Further Reading<\/h3>
================<\/p>
Habitat<\/h3>
When we talk about habitat, we just mean home. It refers to the natural things outside our own houses, perhaps in our garden or further afield, that are the basis of homes or food for wildlife, such as hedgerow, trees, woodland, leaves, fallen branches, sticks, natural grass, (long and short) flowers (particularly wild and native), trees, shrubs, meadow hay, barley straw.<\/p>
To support hedgehogs we can also add 'hedgehog houses' into our gardens and elsewhere, say at allotments. These are best made from natural untreated wood with a tunnel entrance and corridor within (to discourage predators and exclude draughts) or you can layer up bricks with a slab on top (see BHPS online for a model) or as a minimum, pile up leaves in one area of your garden, say under a hedge for hedgehogs to over-winter in.<\/p>
Other areas of 'make shift' habitat that wildlife seek out and especially if no natural hedgerow are: compost heaps, under sheds, under decking, behind garages, green houses. Never jab a fork into a compost heap.<\/p>
Note: If we leave doors open, wildlife can get in but not out, so it's always a good idea to close doors when in and out of buildings in the garden.<\/p>
Habitat creates natural food<\/strong><\/p>
Hedgehogs are known as insectivores although they will eat dead things they come across on their travels, like mice and other carrion.
Hedgehogs love areas to snuffle around, so keep a wild garden or at least a wild area in your garden, with fallen leaves, long and short grass left to go wild and perhaps 'mown pathways.'
And of course hedges, which they are named after. Native, deciduous are best, so they can make use of the leaves for bedding. In my garden they particularly like the soft leaves of common beech for bedding but hawthorn is a favourite.<\/p>A woodpile for example can provide the perfect buffet stop-off, en route to other areas on their nightly walks, during their waking period. Beetles and in particular the stag beetle make use of rotting wood. These woodpiles also attract worms, caterpillars, spiders, millipedes, earwigs. So a simple idea that provides and helps.<\/p>
\"By protecting their homes, we protect ours\"<\/p><\/blockquote>
NOTHING ARTIFICIAL<\/strong><\/p>
Imagine, if hedgehogs eat worms and worms live in grass, adding unnatural 'false grass' is harming the food chain, at a time when we need to be thinking more, not less, about helping the natural world.
Not only is false grass a problem for hedgehogs now, but for birds who struggle in vain to peck through plastic and all the creatures under the plastic who heat up in the sun.<\/p>Plastic grass is also an environmental problem we are stacking up. It is more plastic in a world already 'drowning in plastic.\u2019 and people are making profit at the expense of the natural world.<\/p>
\"We already have too much tarmac and concrete in our lives and now we're carpeting the gardens in plastic.
What chance are we giving nature? We need to see the link\"
<\/strong><\/p>Jennifer Manning-Ohren - Wild Things Keyworth<\/p><\/blockquote>"},"borderRadius":{"id":16975691,"value":"#{text.border.radius}"},"textColor":{"id":16975692,"value":"#{text.color}"},"backgroundColour":{"id":16975693,"value":"#{text.background.color}"},"truncateHeight":{"id":16975694,"value":null},"padding":{"id":16975696,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":16975697,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":16975698,"value":"#{text.fullBackground.color}"},"conditions":{"id":16975699,"value":"[]"},"template":{"id":65396580,"value":"text"},"published":{"id":65396581,"value":"1"}}},{"id":1126695,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":9,"items":[],"properties":{"html":{"id":16975700,"value":"
Highways<\/h3>
For example 'Keyworth Hedgehog Highway'<\/strong><\/p>
The Keyworth Hedgehog Highway is a series of gaps made in a village in South Nottinghamshire, UK so that hedgehogs can pass under or through human made structures each night.<\/p>
Keyworth Hedgehog Highway is being rolled out locally as a response to the national initiative by Hedgehog Street, the BHPS, the PTES. As volunteers we have added over 165 gaps since July 2021 and we have been carrying on the work indefinitely and helping people 'green up' along the way.<\/p>
One of the biggest issues for hedgehogs and something that has contributed to their startling decline over the past 70 years has been the invention of the 'concrete based fence.' and we need to rethink or adapt their use.<\/p>
In their pure format, concrete based fences are impenetrable for hedgehogs who are either trapped in or out upon their installation, because the concrete goes flat to the ground. And unless provision is made with post-installation gaps or 'pre-drilled panels' installed at the time, left, right and at the foot of the garden, again we are storing up problems for hedgehogs and contributing to their further decline, by stopping their movement, dead.<\/p>
With regard to wooden fences or gates if they are hung considerately, hogs can sometimes squeeze under, but if we want to accommodate all size hog and allow them free passage and increase their nesting and breeding options, we need to think about making changes and adding a gap. Even with wooden fences, Housing Developers on new estates are making them go flush to the ground.<\/p>
Hedgehogs need the equivalent space of three 18 hole golf courses to have a viable community in an area.<\/p><\/li>
Hedgehogs need to visit multiple gardens to feed, nest and meet mates and so these gaps allow their unimpeded passage and gives them options through gardens and green areas, rather than roads.<\/p><\/li>
The recommended size to accommodate all hedgehogs is 13cm x 13cm about 5\" square. Gaps can be made under or through fences, walls and gates. If going under a fence, a trough can get temporarily waterlogged depending on the area and time of year, so bear this in mind.
<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\"Making gaps will be our legacy to Hedgehogs. Like a Mexican-wave we will keep adding more to help hedgehogs get where they need to be. We are retro-fitting these structures, but in reality we need more natural hedgerow habitat <\/strong>and need more people to realise that.\"<\/h3>
Founder, Jennifer Manning-Ohren, Wild Things Keyworth<\/strong><\/h3>
<\/p><\/blockquote>"},"borderRadius":{"id":16975701,"value":"#{text.border.radius}"},"textColor":{"id":16975702,"value":"#{text.color}"},"backgroundColour":{"id":16975703,"value":"#{text.background.color}"},"truncateHeight":{"id":16975704,"value":null},"padding":{"id":16975706,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":16975707,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":16975708,"value":"#{text.fullBackground.color}"},"conditions":{"id":16975709,"value":"[]"},"template":{"id":65396890,"value":"text"},"published":{"id":65396891,"value":"1"}}},{"id":1126696,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":10,"items":[],"properties":{"html":{"id":16975710,"value":"
Hazards<\/h3>
Make the checks for hedgehogs. If you are undertaking any work in the garden, using tools or involved in building projects or extensions which create holes in the ground they can fall into or get trapped in, like footings, or you are considering building a bonfire (they view a pile of sticks as a good nesting site) - or if you are using known and unknown poisons, read on...<\/p>
Firstly, pause a moment and consider if that hedgerow you are about to replace with a fence, that apple tree you are about to destroy to create a tarmac driveway, would they actually serve wildlife and ultimately us, better than a human made structure or surface...<\/strong><\/p>
Habitat destruction <\/strong>= hazards for hedgehogs - older native hedgerows especially, have more value to wildlife than new. So our message is, \"Value what we have and add in more.\"
If you need a fence, have it in conjunction with a hedge. Hedges and trees are vital habitat for all wildlife. Hedgehogs get their name from the hedgerow they live in and need. They're not \"fence, gate or wall\" hogs, for a reason.<\/p>Garden tools <\/strong>- Hedgehogs won't move by sound alone and have no fight or flight response. They are therefore more vulnerable to striking and cutting tools, strimmers,* any cutters, spades, lawn mowers, forks, rakes, hedge cutters are all hazards for hedgehogs. Hedgehogs make flimsy day nests any where in the garden in a place you may not realise. Always do the checks and assume they could be there.<\/p>
*Strimmers kill and maim hedgehogs every year. Do the checks first or alternatively resolve to not use strimmers.<\/p>
Bonfires <\/strong>- (piles) - the stacks of bonfires are an attractive place to sleep or nest for hedgehogs and are hazards for hedgehogs . This is why we are always advised to re-site a stack or pile on the day of lighting to make sure that a hog hasn't found its way in overnight.<\/p>
Alternatively it is better for the environment and more friendly to our neighbours to compost our garden waste or take to the tip or add to green bins.<\/p>
Another way of dealing with most garden debris is by putting it under a hedge. It will rot down and anything like leaves will either be used as nesting material or taken down underground by worms. The rotting vegetation will create more creepy crawlies and therefore serve as food for hedgehogs. Far better overall to do the natural and organic way.<\/p>
Entrapment Hazards <\/strong>- Hedgehogs sadly get trapped and entangled in netting<\/strong>, frequently. Their spines get caught and their reaction is to ball up which increases their entrapment further. If hedgehogs are not found they can die overnight from exhaustion. If found in netting they will need to be checked over by a local Hedgehog rescue.<\/p>
Risk mitigation: Raise the nets overnight above the height of a hedgehog - Netting - such as football, tennis, badminton or garden netting - such as pea and fruit. Allotment holders too. Don't leave piles of netting lying about in a garden or allotment. They are hazards for hedgehogs!<\/p>
Hedgehogs get trapped in garden ponds and swimming pools <\/strong>and these can be hazards for hedgehogs. Hedgehogs can swim but die of exhaustion if there is no way out.<\/p>
Risk mitigation: Add 'shorelines' to ponds so hedgehogs can find a way out, cover swimming pools overnight.<\/p>
Cattle grids <\/strong>are hazards for hedgehogs
Risk mitigation: add a ramp underneath the grid for hedgehogs and other wildlife like frogs, to escape.<\/p>Litter \/ fly tipping <\/strong>are hazards for hedgehogs
Not only unsightly but they are hazards for hedgehogs Plastic bags, cups, takeaways, rubber bands, tins with lids that swing (still attached), face masks, plastic can separators, dustbin bags, doggy bags, the list goes on, are all entanglement and entrapment hazards for hedgehogs<\/p>Risk mitigation: Take litter home with you. Even if bags are 'compostable' they still harm wildlife in the interim so never use this excuse to discard in the environment but instead do frequent litter picks, educate on harm of litter and fly tipping.<\/p>
Poison Hazards - <\/strong>Chemicals and poisons are hazards for hedgehogs . Chemicals and poisons used in the garden - create secondary poison by affecting the food chain. Hedgehogs also suffer from direct poison.<\/p>
Pesticides, Insecticides, herbicides, weedkiller (weedkiller for example burns their feet), rat poison, slug pellets (there is no antidote for slug pellet poisoning, if they eat a poisoned slug, they die a slow painful death too)<\/p>
*Some of the above products sit on shelves of garden centres and pet shops with innocuous marketed names, but create incredible harm to our wildlife.<\/p>
\"If you wouldn't put it on your own plate, why put it on theirs?\u201d
<\/p><\/blockquote>Go organic!<\/h3>
More hazards ...<\/strong><\/p>
Cars \/ vehicles <\/strong>hazards - Be aware that from dusk until dawn the next morning, the wild British hedgehog (Erinaceus Europaeus) is active!<\/strong><\/p>
False grass <\/strong>hazard - Stops hedgehogs and other wildlife accessing food. Heats up the earth.<\/p>
Human foods <\/strong>- hazard - The easiest safe food to stick to when feeding hedgehogs is kitten or cat food (kibble) with a high protein content (protein listed first).
You can use dog kibble too, but a small dog variety for the hog's smaller mouth.
Wet food can be used, but stick to meaty varieties and it's not recommended in hot weather. Not all \"hedgehog specific\" food is safe for them and is unregulated by comparison to pet food. Be aware because hedgehog food is unregulated, it may contain any of the following which is a hazard.<\/p>Please DO NOT<\/strong> offer hedgehogs the following:-<\/p>
No mealworm <\/strong>(it gives them a painful bone disease over time called MBD - they are like sweets for hedgehogs and are addictive) not even calci worms <\/strong>are recommended by rescues.<\/p>
No sultanas \/ raisins \/ no dried fruit\/<\/strong> (tooth decay)<\/p>
No pumpkins<\/strong> (they don't have a caecum and can't process them)<\/p>
No milk <\/strong>(lactose intolerant)<\/p>
No peanuts<\/strong> (they can stick to the roof of the mouth and cause an infection)<\/p>
No sunflower seeds or oats (Metabolic bone disease again)<\/strong><\/p>
No raw meat<\/strong><\/p>
No bread<\/strong><\/p>
No bird or human food at all <\/strong>- is the easiest thing to remember<\/p>
\"Go organic! We have forgotten that is our default position. We are so used to chemicals in our lives that we cannot remember a time when we didn't have them. With each generation we get further entrenched\"<\/p>
Jennifer Manning-Ohren - Wild Things Keyworth<\/p><\/blockquote>"},"borderRadius":{"id":16975711,"value":"#{text.border.radius}"},"textColor":{"id":16975712,"value":"#{text.color}"},"backgroundColour":{"id":16975713,"value":"#{text.background.color}"},"truncateHeight":{"id":16975714,"value":null},"padding":{"id":16975716,"value":"6"},"fullWidth":{"id":16975717,"value":"0"},"fullBackgroundColor":{"id":16975718,"value":"#{text.fullBackground.color}"},"conditions":{"id":16975719,"value":"[]"},"template":{"id":16986976,"value":"text"}}},{"id":1126701,"type":"textBlock","published":1,"size":{"x":12,"y":0},"order":11,"items":[],"properties":{"html":{"id":16975792,"value":"
Help<\/h3>
Help can come in the form of Proactive and Reactive.<\/p>
Proactive Help can be things like joining the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), following the work of the People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), Hedgehog Street, Wild Things Keyworth, the Wildlife Trusts.
Help can be raising awareness. Circulating leaflets from the BHPS.
Help can be adding Hedgehog signage at a hot spot, doing talks, going on tour, being at events, going on TV or radio, getting articles in the newspaper, wearing our Wild Things Keyworth T shirts to trigger conversations.<\/strong><\/p>Help can also be in the form of 'Support Feeding' our wild hedgehogs and offering shallow bowls of water each night at dusk. (Rainwater is best)<\/p>
They drink alot of water so this is a big area as they can suffer very quickly from dehydration.
Help can be about adding a hedgehog house to our garden, or giving hedgehogs a private place to eat, known a a 'feed station.'<\/p>Help can be, going organic, adding in log piles, adding in a pond with a shoreline, adding in more hedgerow. Starting a Hedgehog Highway in your village or town.<\/p>
When help turns reactive, it's time to RESCUE<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>
Rescue is the hedgehog equivalent of going to the health centre or hospital. Hedgehog Rescues will try to get hogs better and then re-release them back to the wild.<\/p>
Sometimes treatment can go on for months. Vets can treat hedgehogs too initially, but Hedgehog Rescues are specifically set up for hedgehogs and generally the outcomes will be more favourable. Vet and Hedgehog Rescues will often work in tandem.<\/p>
Rescues are generally voluntary organisations or charities. There is no national fund to help hedgehogs. Most rescues rely on funding, either by raising funds themselves or donations or putting up the funds themselves.<\/p>
Rescues do amazing jobs for hedgehogs treating things like injuries from cars or garden tools, entrapment and entanglement or ill health, dehydration from lack of water, especially in warm weather and when awake after hibernation, dealing with poison or things like infestations from fleas and ticks. (which are host specific by the way so won't infect your pets).<\/p>
Hedgehogs out in the day almost always need rescue as this is generally unusual behaviour,with them being nocturnal. However, if a hog is female and 'moving with purpose' and has hoglets with her (she will be seen teaching them the ropes) then this is usually a good sign. Any lethargy and 'sunbathing' is NOT normal and needs immediate attention.<\/p>
Rescues also take in underweight hedgehogs (less than 600g in Autumn) and 'overwinter' them. Rescues work long unsociable hours. It is a 'calling' to help our garden friends in this way.<\/p>