'Heartbreak' as British hedgehog now officially classified as vulnerable to extinction

These spiny mammals have been included in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List for British Mammals - but it has come as no surprise to wildlife conservationists.

Jules Jordan, who runs Hayling Island Hedgehog Rescue, has taken in more hogs in recent months due to disturbances and horrific injuries caused by the increase in gardening during lockdown.

The ex-veterinary nurse said: ‘This has really brought us all to our knees because it’s utterly heartbreaking.The amount we have had in this year which have been so horrifically injured - I have seen stuff I just can’t unsee.’

Jules is backing the British Hedgehog Preservation Society campaign Hedgehog Street, which encourages people to connect gardens with 13cm square holes for hogs.

She added: ‘I find the public attitude towards hogs really frustrating. The attitude has got to change for them because they’re simply going to die out.

‘We can rescue to the ends of the earth but soon there will be nothing to rescue. We need to make an effort otherwise we have lost them forever.’

Linda Hewett, who runs Berts Hedgehog Retreat in Portsmouth, had a hoglet die this week after it was found in a drain having inhaled chemicals. She said dangers include litter, pesticides, slug pellets, rat traps and more.

SEE ALSO: Waterlooville baker and loving granddaughter sells hundreds of cakes for Alzheimer's Society

Kirstie Blakely, centre manager at RSPCA Stubbington Ark, has had to hand-rear hedgehogs which have been rescued by the centre.

She said: ‘Hedgehogs have such an important role as an iconic image of British wildlife and now is the time to give them an extra helping hand by providing and protecting their habitats that they need to thrive and survive.

‘We really do need to help this wonderful species to survive and it is so easy to make small changes to gardens to help them thrive.’

Kirstie suggests people should include a slope in their wildlife ponds so hedgehogs can climb out if they fall in, and provide fresh food and water and somewhere to sleep, as well as gaps in fences.

For more information about ways you can help, visit britishhedgehogs.org.uk

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.