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A local charity has raised concerns over a recent rise in hedgehog injuries caused by strimmers ahead of the annual branchage inspections. (Warning: Graphic image in article.)
'Branchage' refers to the Jersey law which ensures that any vegetation growth that overhangs roads and footpaths is cut back to make areas safer for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and anyone else who uses them.
Inspections occur annually, and this year's are set to take place over three weeks starting from 24 June.
Ahead of that, the Jersey Hedgehog Preservation Group has reported a recent "influx" of hedgehogs being admitted with injuries caused by trimming hedges. Such injuries can often be fatal.
They have therefore relaunched their trimmer awareness campaign, which will involve sharing flyers with advice on preventing hedgehog injuries, as well as sharing stickers that can be fixed to cutting machinery as a reminder to take care.
They will also be contacting contract and private gardeners.
Volunteer Gill Morgan said: "We are urging the public to please remember that the overgrown banques, hedgerows and fosses, and leafy trees provide homes to our birds, mammals, reptiles and insects.
"The housing shortage in Jersey extends to nature as the need to build more homes has meant a further loss of habitat for our precious wildlife."
She added: "If you are intending to strim please check in the long grass and under hedges for sleeping hedgehogs and other wildlife before you cut, strim or mow.
"Use your boot, a gloved hand, a rake or a stick to gently move any creatures out of harm's way."
Do not: Cut earth banks down to the bare earth.
Do: Leave some vegetation around the base of trees and hedgerows and check carefully for hedgehog nests on the ground.
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