Spike in hedgehog deaths prompts another strimmer alert

Friday 19 July 2024

Hedgehog preservationists have renewed calls for islanders to “check before you chop” after saying they have never seen so many nose injuries from hedge strimmers in one summer.

In their latest newsletter, Jersey’s Hedgehog Preservation Group said more than a dozen of the mammals were treated for blade wounds last month – many of them not surviving – marking it a “depressing summer”.

"We have never had so many nose injuries"

The group said: "We have never had so many nose injuries, we do not understand why hedgehogs should get their noses cut when a blade approaches, why are they not rolling up?"

In June, 13 hedgehogs were treated for blade wounds, and only two of them survived. July has already seen four brought in with similar wounds.

And there are fears that the second branchage could cause those numbers to rise further.

It is not unusual to see an influx of maimed or injured hedgehogs being brought to their Waterworks Valley headquarters from May onwards, as branchage season gets underway and landowners and occupiers cut back vegetation overhanging roads and paths.

"Please take extra care"

The group, which has been caring for the Island's hedgehog population for over 30 years, wrote: "Very depressing reading, so many put to sleep with horrible injuries."

They also issued some advice, saying: "There are plenty of hazards for hedgehogs, especially at this time of year so please take extra care when cutting hedges or long grass. Please resist the temptation to manicure your garden, leave a nice wild patch for hogs and other wildlife.

"If you employ a gardener, ask them to check before starting work to be sure no hedgehogs are nesting where they are going to cut. Please don't cut too close to the ground and leave as much as you can uncut until the wildflower seeds have set."

HOW YOU CAN HELP...

Any Islander who finds an injured or distressed hedgehog should telephone the Jersey Hedgehog Preservation Group on 734340 or contact them through their website here.