Hedgehogs spotted in two thirds of gardens
HEDGEHOGS were found in nearly two thirds of Welsh gardens included in a survey last year – despite concerns about their declining numbers.
The spiky mammal was spotted in 64% of Wales’ outdoor spaces, making it our most common garden visitor according to a survey by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) of more than 8,000 welsh gardens.
However, the wildlife charity is still “worried” that, across the UK as a whole, almost a quarter of gardens were absent of hedgehogs during 2016.
Figures suggest their numbers have dropped enormously – from about 30 million to fewer than one million in the past 60 years.
Foxes are another common visitor to outdoor spaces across Wales with one being spotted in 61% of gardens.
The elusive mole was found more in Wales than elsewhere in the UK with well over half of gardens (58%) catching a glimpse of the tunnelling animal or one of its hills.
Sightings of great crested newts were far scarcer though, with the secretive reptile being spotted in just 6% of gardens in Wales.
Grass snakes, slow worms and stag beetles were also rarely seen.
Daniel Hayhow, RSPB conservation scientists, said: “Often the wildlife we see in our garden is the first experience we have with nature.
“Unfortunately, the sights and sounds of wildlife that was once common to us are sadly becoming more mysterious to people.
“There are simple things we can all do to make our gardens perfect for wildlife. From creating a feeding station for birds or hedgehogs to digging a small pond to help amphibians.”
RSPB Cymru is now calling on families to spend more time outside this summer and reconnect with the nature that surrounds them by taking in its Wild Challenge.
Paul Birmingham, RSPB families manager, said: “Getting outside and discovering nature is important whether your motivation is happy healthy children, memorable family time or to see our towns and countryside richer in nature.
“The opportunity to connect with nature should be a part of every child’s life and the RSPB’s Wild Challenge is here to help every family go on their own wild adventure.”
Find out more about the campaign by visiting www. rspb.org.uk/wildchallenge