Residents in Chipping Norton are being encouraged to turn their gardens into 'Hedgehog Highways'.

The UK's hedgehog population is in decline and one of the main reasons for this is that fences and walls are restricting their access to habitats.

To combat this, West Oxfordshire District Council is encouraging residents in the Cotswolds to cut holes in fences to allow the critters to travel through.

Residents of Chipping Norton, Carterton and Witney can claim a free 'Hedgehog Highway' sign.

All you have to do is send the council a picture of your newly created hedgehog hole.

The signs are laser cut from recycled plastic with pre-drilled holes to pin in place, and can be mounted above the hole as a reminder to keep the hole open for your prickly neighbours.

Each household can get one sign, whic are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Eventually, all of the new Hedghehog Highway locations will be put on a map to show-off the positive impact of the project.

 

To claim your free Hedgehog Highway sign:

1. Create a hole in any of your boundary fences – this should ideally be around 13cm x 13cm to allow a hedgehog to pass through. Make a hole by;

  • Cutting or drilling out a hole in a wooden fence
  • Removing a brick from the bottom of the wall
  • Digging a channel under your wall, fence or gate
  • The holes are best created next to some vegetation where hedgehogs will feel safest to scuttle through
  • If you can create a hole on either side of your garden, even better

2. Take a picture of your hedgehog hole and send it across to the team at Climate.Action@westoxon.gov.uk

3. The team will take a look at your hedgehog hole, give you any tips on making your hole even better if needed, and will then be able to post out your free Hedgehog Highway sign