WATCH: Islanders urged to help prevent hedgehog casualties

Sunday 28 June 2020

Conservation groups are asking locals to adhere to wildlife-friendly branchage guidelines, following an increase in hedgehog deaths caused by people using garden strimmers during lockdown.

The Branchage Working Group has published three videos showing ways to reduce threats to local wildlife following updates to the branchage guidelines last year.

Chris Perkins, Chairman of local conservation group Action for Wildlife, said that the changes “continue to benefit banques and hedges, which are such important wildlife corridors and nesting sites.”

Pictured: The 'Think Hedgehog' video has been shared widely by conservation groups in the UK. 

The videos have been viewed more than 30,000 times but despite the positive response, the number of injured hedgehogs is higher than this time last year.

The Jersey Hedgehog Group has to date taken 21 injured hedgehogs into its care.

More than 85% of these injuries, caused by strimmers, have been fatal. 

The conservation group believes the increase in hedgehog injuries is a result of more people spending time in their gardens during lockdown, with a resultant increase in strimmer use.  

Pictured: Jersey's hedges and banques are vital for pollinators. 

With the second branchage of the year happening in September, landowners and contractors are urged to continue following the new guidelines. 

In particular, Action for Wildlife say that gardeners should try to avoid using strimmers, and should always check for animals such as hedgehogs before beginning work.

Pictured: Chris Perkins shares tips for enhancing the environment around footpaths. 

The videos complement the traditional printed copies of the branchage guidelines, which are available in parish halls and garden centres. 

The guidelines are also available on the Branchage and Beyond – Nurturing Nature’s Highways Facebook Group, and on gov.je/branchage.