Nature Features

On Saturday 22nd November '08 at 3pm, Harry Palmer publicly spoke at the Bullring near the historic St Martin's church, about his concerns for the hedgehog crisis.

Public speaking plaque

In the heart of Birmingham a blue heritage plaque, placed ten feet on the side of the rag market, largely goes unnoticed. The neglected sign states 'Near here stood the old market cross. Public meetings took place here in the 18th Century'.

Inspired by this sign and its significance, combined with his love of hedgehogs, led the self proclaimed eccentric archaeologist to reinstate a public meeting as a matter of urgency and historic relevance.

He took the opportunity to talk openly about the safeguarding of the hedgehog, which he called, "a lovely creature in crisis".

Hedgehog

Harry Palmer's speech on hedgehogs

With all the focus on the credit crisis, perhaps we should also consider the challenges concerning the humble hedgehog. Whilst the spotlight is on our own economic survival and security, the simple and shocking fact is that the hedgehog is under threat.

Dr Pat Morris, author of two respected books on hedgehogs, including the recently published and updated New Hedgehog Book (Published by Whittet Books), is considered the godfather of British hedgehogs. According to his research, by 2025 the poor animal may well be extinct. Indeed, since the mid 1990s, it is estimated that hedgehog numbers have declined by over 50%.

Reasons are varied. This year after the recent cold weather, wildlife sanctuaries are being inundated with starving baby hedgehogs. Juvenile hedgehogs are particularly vulnerable and admissions to the centres are abnormally high.

Environmental issues are not helping. With wetter summers and warmer autumns, hedgehogs are having second litters later in the year, making the newly born unable to survive. 

Poor food supply and lack of necessary warmth and shelter prior to hibernation add to the threat. Malnutrition is now a major factor, and many 'hoglets' weigh less than 300 grams. More than ever, hedgehogs are prone to the effects of starvation. Simply put, they simply cannot cope with all the changes.

Helping a hedgehog

What other facts effect the humble hedgehog and its imminent plight? The habitat of hedgehogs in cities and towns has significantly altered. Gardens have less hedging of course, being replaced by wooden or brick fencing.

Increasingly, paved patios and slab-stone frontages have replaced gardens, adding to the downturn of plant life and hedgerows.

Simply put, less fauna and flora negatively affects the ecosystem. Swallows and bees are now reported to be struggling due to changing habitats and environmental circumstances.

It's an unsettling truth that pollutants and toxic waste, plastic bags and empty containers - crisp packets, sandwich wrappers and plastic beakers for example - make the curious hedgehog susceptible to potential poisoning and suffocation.

So what can we do to help prevent any further number of hedgehogs from dying?

Two hoglets

There are number of things that will help

1. If you see a hedgehog in daylight, then it is likely to be malnourished and needs attention. Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures. It is best to seek advice (details below).

2. Lawn-mowing can be dangerous to hedgehogs. They may be in the undergrowth and many have been killed due to gardening accidents. Steady as you go!

3. Don't feed hedgehogs milk or bread. They should be given meat based cat food and water.

4. Be careful with household rubbish and waste. Don't leave plastic bags or containers outdoors. Hedgehogs are inquisitive and will find places to explore. Be careful clearing up any areas where you have piled-up wood, boxes etc., as hedgehogs may well be hiding and resting.

5. Plant hedges and plants in your garden. Before adding any major areas with patio and paving stones, consider the environmental impact. Less greenery means less wildlife, which damages the ecosystem.

6. Love nature and wax lyrical. Tell others about how much you love nature and about the hedgehog crisis. Give people tips on how to deal with a hedgehog situation. Solutions encourage a positive culture of empathy and support.

Public speech by Harry Palmer.

For more detailed information/emergency

• British Hedgehog Preservation Society
  www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk
  Tel: 01584 890801
  
• West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue
  www.west-midlands-hedgehogs.co.uk

FULL BLOG ARTICLE AT:
http://theeccentric1.blogspot.com/2008/11/birminghams-hedgehog-crisis-why-its-so.html