The Hedgehog Preservation Society

The Hedgehog Preservation Society

We love hedgehogs and are delighted to be able to support this wonderful charity!  Founded in 1982 the British Hedgehog Preservation Society offers help and advice to those with sick, injured or orphaned hedgehogs and maintains a list of rehabilitators in the UK. Hedgehogs are widespread and, in some areas, still common, but their numbers locally can vary a lot and numbers have decline a lot over the last few decades. They can be entirely absent in arable areas, but numerous in suburban habitats. Areas in and around towns and villages can be excellent habitats for hedgehogs, and hedgehogs often prefer them over farmland.

Through campaigns, advocacy and educational projects the BHPS works to raise awareness of the practical steps we can take to help reverse the decline of hedgehogs in the wild, improve their welfare and safeguard the future of this much-loved animal. They also fund research that provides important new insights into the conservation and welfare of hedgehogs. They can offer help and advice to those with sick, injured or orphaned hedgehogs and maintain a list of independent hedgehog rescue centres across the UK – if you are concerned about a hedgehog please visit their First Aid page, or call them on 01584 890 801.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal and solitary creatures, so counting numbers in the field is difficult.  However, there is no doubting that hedgehog numbers are seriously declining – due to the usual suspects: habitat loss and agricultural intensive farming – and roadkill.  Also, British gardens are becoming poorer homes for wildlife with increased paving, decking and reduced plant life. And with more roads and housing developments being built, there is a huge loss of connectivity between green spaces, leaving hedgehogs isolated.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society has these aims –

1. To make the public aware of hedgehogs and to give advice on their care, particularly when injured, sick, orphaned, treated cruelly or in any other danger.
2. To encourage the younger generation to value and respect our natural wildlife and, by supplying information and giving lectures, to foster their interest in hedgehogs.
3. To fund research into the behavioural habits of hedgehogs and to ascertain the best methods of assisting their survival.

10p from every BHPS seed packet wedding favour sold will go to the Society to help support their wonderful work. 

Charity number 1164542.