Our Hedgehogs are in trouble
Hedgehogs have been classed as vulnerable to extinction on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature since 2020. Estimates show that in the 1950s there were around 30 million and today below 1 million.
Why?
- Loss, and fragmentation, of habitats
- Loss of food due to reduced biodiversity, climate change and decline in insects
- Intensive agriculture
- Urban areas are built on and paved over, fragmenting habitat behind garden walls
- Dangers from increased road traffic and other human activities
What is Ealing Wildlife Group doing to help Hedgehogs?
EWG’s key aims for hedgehogs:
- Educate residents about how to be Hedgehog-friendly
- Encourage residents to connect their gardens
- Create suitable habitat for Hedgehogs
What have we achieved so far?
- London Hogwatch ZSL camera trap surveys in 8 parks and 3 allotments across Ealing
- 8 habitat creation events in local green spaces
- Educational & awareness raising activities at schools, allotments and community events
- Production & distribution of newsletter articles, leaflets and social media campaigns
- Training for local park rangers
- Established a free Highways Drilling Service for Ealing residents
- Created 170+ Hedgehog Highway holes to date mainly in Poets Corner, Hanwell, which has led to increased sightings and positive local awareness
- Featured in BBC Wild London and also in this Hedgehogs in Ealing: BBC Wild London Extra Content
- Information sharing and collaboration with London Hedgehog Forum and local groups across London
- Setting up a free Hedgehogs Garden Coaching Service in collaboration with Ealing Hedgehog Friends
How can YOU help hedgehogs?
Create Hedgehog Highways
Book our free drilling service to link your garden to your neighbours’
Find out moreCreate Hedgehog-friendly Gardens
Book a free visit from our Garden Coaches to attract more wildlife to your garden
Find out moreSupporting Resources for extra ideas
Even if you don’t have a garden!
Volunteer Opportunities
Join our EWG Hedgehog Project Team to help coordinate various activities and events using your creativity and skills.
You can take on a key role or just be a supportive member assisting the core team with tasks. Activities are coordinated via a Whatsapp group and online meetings. Sign up here.
For general enquiries you can contact Gemma Holmes, Hedgehogs Officer, on HedgehogsEWG@gmail.com.
Hedgehog Rescue
Ealing Hedgehog Friends is a local group formed to help sick and injured hedgehogs in and around Ealing. You can find more information on their website (ealinghedgehogfriends.com), including useful advice on when to intervene and when to leave a hedgehog alone.
Latest News!
Framfield Allotments Host Hedgehogs’ New Life In The Wild
🌿We’re a volunteer-run group and all our events are made possible by members who generously and enthusiastically give their time and expertise.
We believe access to nature should be free for everybody but if you want to support us with these events, you can donate here https://ealingwildlifegroup.com/donate/
Thank you 🌿
Header photo by Hrald, CC BY-SA 3.0
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