Hedgehog highway petition reaches one million signatures
5th July 2021
In 2018 hedgehog ecologist, author and BHPS spokesperson Hugh Warwick started a petition to make hedgehog highways a legal requirement in new-build developments.
These small gaps in fences allow hedgehogs to access gardens, and help to join up our fragmented landscape. Hedgehog highways form one of our top tips and are a simple way to help this popular but struggling species. Ensuring all new-build developments made this provision for hedgehogs would go a long way to helping them in an increasingly urbanised environment. Some developers in the UK already install these access gaps in new sites, including Bovis and Taylor Wimpey. You can find more info on hedgehogs and development HERE.
In 2019 the petition led to hedgehog highways being added to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as a recommendation for new developments. Now, due to increasing awareness of hedgehog conservation and hedgehog highways, the petition has reached an incredible 1 million signatures! Thank you to everyone has has signed and shared the petition. This is an incredible achievement and demonstrates the popularity of hedgehogs, and the public support for conservation efforts.
How can I help?
- Sign the petition via the link above, and share with friends and family so that we can keep raising awareness.
- Install your own hedgehog highway with a 13cm square gap in or under your garden fence or boundary. Find more tips and advice HERE.
- Let neighbours know what you’ve done and encourage them to do the same, to form your very own Hedgehog Street. Find more resources for engaging with neighbours HERE, once you’re logged in.
- Log your highway and any prickly sightings on the BIG Hedgehog Map.
