Strimming with care as borough backs hedgehog protection campaign

Stafford Borough Council has teamed up with a national wildlife charity to help protect one of Britain’s best-loved garden visitors.

Stafford Borough Council has become a ‘Hedgehog Hero’ after joining a campaign to help protect hedgehogs from accidental harm during grass cutting. The council has added bright yellow warning stickers to its strimming equipment, urging staff to check the area for hedgehogs before they start trimming grass or undergrowth.

Around 20 machines have been marked so far as part of the initiative, which is backed by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS). The charity was “delighted” the council had signed up to the project and added them to its national ‘Roll of Honour’.

Councillor Ian Fordham, Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

“Hedgehogs are good for our environment, but we know their population is in decline.

So, I am glad we can support this initiative to make people more aware of their possible presence before cutting grass.”

The charity says strimmers and mowers pose a significant risk to hedgehogs, particularly when the animals are hidden in long grass, under hedgerows, or resting in piles of leaves. Warning stickers help remind users to scan the area before getting started.

Why hedgehogs need help

Hedgehogs are legally protected in the UK and their numbers have dropped sharply in recent years, especially in rural areas. According to BHPS, their population has declined by over 50% since the year 2000. Loss of habitat, busy roads, and garden hazards are all contributing factors.

They play an important role in our ecosystems by controlling pests such as slugs, beetles, and caterpillars. Many residents are already doing their bit to help, by creating ‘hedgehog highways’ in fences, leaving out food and water, and avoiding harmful chemicals in their gardens.

If you’re strimming your own lawn or tackling an overgrown area, it’s a good idea to:

• Check long grass and leaf piles for signs of life.
• Tap the ground gently with a stick to alert any wildlife.
• Keep compost heaps covered when not in use.
• Avoid strimming late at night or early morning when hedgehogs are most active.

The move is also likely to be welcomed by local wildlife groups and volunteers who monitor hedgehog populations and promote garden-friendly practices.

The council’s involvement is part of a wider national push to raise awareness of hedgehog safety, particularly during the warmer months when grass cutting is frequent and hedgehogs are more active.

To find out more about the British Hedgehog Preservation Society’s work, or to view the full Hedgehog Heroes Roll of Honour, visit www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk.