A group of dedicated volunteers in Teesside have spent more than 30 years looking after Britain’s favourite wild mammal.
Pictured above: Tim the hedgehog.
The Cleveland Hedgehog Preservation Society was formed in 1992 by a group of like-minded individuals, all with an interest in the welfare of hedgehogs in the Cleveland area.
The society is dedicated to the protection and conservation of hedgehogs. It aims to raise awareness about the challenges these creatures face.
According to the latest study from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, hedgehog numbers have declined since 2000 by a shocking 50% in rural areas and 30% in urban areas.
The Teesside charity is determined to help support the threatened species through numerous activities, including habitat restoration, public education and rescue efforts.
Donations support the conservation of hedgehogs, as volunteers work tirelessly to create safe environments, ensuring the animals have access to food, water and shelter.
Chris Firth is the passionate founder of the society. With a deep love for wildlife and a particular fondness for hedgehogs, Chris recognised the urgent need to address the declining population of these charming creatures in the Cleveland area.
Pictured above: Chris Firth Founder.
“The biggest threats to hedgehogs at the moment are the loss of habitat due to building and sterile gardens with plastic grass and gravel rather than lawns and flower beds,” said Chris. “It’s also the loss of ‘Hedgehog Highways’, with gardens being fenced off and blocking access to roaming hedgehogs.”
The society aims to educate the public on ways around this and currently have information available on their growing Facebook page and on their website including the Do’s and Don’ts regarding hedgehogs.
There is also a membership scheme where members receive an informative newsletter.
Chris told TUXtra: “We are continually sourcing hedgehog houses and feeding stations so that when we release a hedgehog back to the wild it has somewhere to live, which also encourages other hedgehogs to the area.”
Everyone is welcome to join this society and help provide care towards these lovely creatures and anyone can become a volunteer.
“Everyone in our organisation is a volunteer, ” said Chris. “We don’t have any paid staff. Our front-line carers take in hedgehogs and decide on a line of care, visiting a vet if required. After an initial period of observation, the hog can then be passed to an up-and-coming carer to feed up and look after until fit for release.”
The future for this charity is looking up and their support continues to grow alongside their love for our spiky friends.
Pictured above: Tim the hedgehog.
So how can the public get involved?
Well there is an active group on Facebook and a website available that shares information on what you can do to become part of the cause.
Chris said there are lots of different ways you can get involved and help with the preservation of hedgehogs.
“A bowl of fresh water in the garden for wildlife is a good starting point,” he said. “If there is evidence of hedgehogs, then dry cat food is excellent for them. Make sure your garden has access in and out so that hedgehogs have access and encourage your neighbours to do the same. A hedgehog needs about 10 average gardens to provide enough wild food for it. As far as supporting our charity goes, as with all charities, we need money to pay for vet’s fees, food, equipment and medication.”
Under Chris’s leadership, the society has not only focused on rescue efforts but also on fostering a sense of community responsibility towards wildlife. His vision for a world where hedgehogs can thrive has resonated with many. The Cleveland Hedgehog Preservation Society continues to grow and make a difference.
If you are interested in supporting their work, consider volunteering or joining the Facebook group to keep up to date. Donations are highly appreciated, and donations can be made through their website CHPS – UK Home Page to help continue their important mission keeping Britain’s favourite wild mammal safe.
