Endangered Species Rehomed at Allotment

Tattenhall Allotment Association have re-homed a pair of hedgehogs in the orchard at the allotment site

Hedgehogs were recently named as being "at imminent risk of extinction" in the first official Red List for Britain's native mammals. The list has been approved by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and governed by the rules of the global Red Lists, so our humble hedgehogs have been ranked alongside the Bengal Tiger! Studies have shown an approximate 50% reduction in hedgehog numbers since 2007, the fall being partly due to habitat loss.

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It is extremely timely, therefore, for the Tattenhall Allotment Society to take action. The pair of hedgehogs, a boy and a girl, came from the Wirral Hedgehog Hospital who take in injured hedgehogs and restore them to good health before rehoming.

The hedgehogs have been released in the orchard – an environment made secure by a team of Allotment volunteers, overseen by Chalk Contractors who also sponsored, constructed and supplied the materials for their new home. They should have enough food by foraging in the orchard but initially supplementary food is given over a few weeks; allowing them time to settle in their new environment. The supplementary food comprises cat/dog biscuits and tinned food, preferably with jelly, but no fish or milk. Clean water to drink only.

After a few weeks of settling in, a hedgehog escape hole on the perimeter of the orchard will allow the hedgehogs to freely roam about the allotments, hopefully eating all the annoying pests such as slugs and snails.

There has been a competition to name the hedgehogs, which will be adjudicated on Monday. but we are expecting 2 additional hedgehogs shortly, another boy and girl, and would like your help in naming them, please. Entries to mfostercfc@gmail.com by Saturday 8th August.

Anyone interested in rehoming a hedgehog of their own can contact the Society or via us at the allotments.