Check for hedgehogs before strimming grass

More hedgehogs have been taken into a rescue centre in just two weeks this spring, compared with the whole of last year. The Prickles and Paws ‘hog-spital’ in Cornwall tell us that a desire to quickly tidy up gardens for the return of visitors may have led to this spike in numbers and it urges gardeners to check thoroughly before strimming.

“Hedgehogs are breeding in May, so do use something like a broom handle to poke about long grass or dense foliage to check for sleeping hedgehogs or nests with hoglets.” says Diane South, co-Founder of the rescue centre. To find out more about helping hedgehogs, visit pricklesandpaws.org

Hedgehogs have suffered severe injuries – and death – from strimming and mowing incidents