The Grounds maintenance team have been putting hedgehog awareness stickers onto the grass cutting equipment as a reminder to look out for our campus hedgehogs before cutting the grass.
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society started the campaign to raise awareness due to the many hedgehogs that are seriously injured or killed by grass cutting machines in the garden.
The advice to everyone is to check grass and hedges thoroughly before using mowers, strimmers and hedge cutters.
“We are delighted that the University of York are doing their bit for hedgehogs, simple measures like this can make a real difference to hedgehog lives. Hedgehogs are in decline and need all the help they can get, please see www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk to find out what else you can do to help our prickly friends.” Fay Vass, Chief Executive, British Hedgehog Preservation Society
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There are many other simple things we can all do to help hedgehogs:
- Make sure there are CD case sized gaps in boundary fences and walls to allow easy passage.
- Move piles of rubbish to a new site before burning it.
- Check areas carefully before mowing or strimming.
- Ensure netting is kept at a safe height.
- Check compost heaps before digging the fork in.
- Stop or reduce the amount of pesticides and poisons used.
- Cover drains or deep holes.
- Ensure there is an easy route out of ponds & pools.
For more useful information and advice take a look at
https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/
https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/hedgehog-awareness-week-2019/
photographs by kind permission of British Hedgehog Preservation Society
