Rochford District Council workers downed tools for hedgehogs this week, ahead of tomorrow’s Day of the Hedgehog.

Resident Lydia Lacey has been working with the Orsett-based South Essex Wildlife Hospital, helping to care for more than 100 hedgehogs taken there suffering injuries.

Lydia said: “Many of them had been hurt terribly by garden tools and motorised equipment so I wanted people to become more aware of the damage that can be done. I knew that the British Hedgehog Preservation Society was running a campaign to get people to put stickers on their equipment – so they will check their environment for hiding hedgehogs before getting to work – so I decided to contact the council to see if it would take part.”

Lydia contacted councillor responsible for environment Jo McPherson, who said: “ I thought it was an excellent idea to set an example and lead the way, so our Woodlands teams all took part in a day to sticker up the equipment with a reminder to remember hedgehogs. It’s not just keeping them safe, it’s also about making our gardens more hedgehog friendly.

“In the days of decking, gravel, deep-set fencing, and paving slabs many hedgehogs are finding it hard to establish livable and hospitable habitats. They can walk up to twomiles a night and need to be able to go between gardens – so we want people to try and make their gardens must better places for hedgehogs.”

Lydia added: “They are just marvellous creatures but everyone needs to remember they are not pets and need to be wild. At one time it was commonplace to see a hedgehog, but now they are getting very rare.

“If people can make sure their sheds and garage doors are closed so that they don’t get locked inside, and that rubbish bags are left up high so that hedgehogs don’t get trapped in the bags it will all help.

But most of all, move piles of leaves before raking them and check undergrowth before strimming.”

Rochford District Council Woodlands stickered up after Lydia brought a wild hedgehog that has been staying at the South Essex Wildlife Hospital into the council garden.

Lydia said: “This one is a youngster – old enough to be away from mumbut not old enough yet to hibernate. He will have to learn by next year to fatten up before he goes into hibernation. We hope there will be plenty of time to find him a suitable garden or environment into which he can be freed.”

Tomorrow is the Day of the Hedgehog with everyone encouraged to make an effort to help erinaceus europaeus – the proper name for the Hogs.

ý For more information contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society at britishhedgehogs.org.uk or on 01584 890801.