4 minute read
Amazing Grace
from Fine Sussex v4 2018
There’s no doubt that hedgehogs are one of our nation’s favourite wild animals. So many people recall hearing the snuffly sounds of hedgehogs foraging in their gardens and their excitement on seeing one. But have you ever asked why you don’t see as many hedgehogs these days?
Hedgehogs are in crisis It’s no secret that hedgehogs are in serious decline. In the 1960s Britain had around 35 million hedgehogs. Today, that number has fallen to less than one million. Without help, hedgehogs could soon be facing extinction in Britain.
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Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue has been working with hedgehogs for over thirty years, helping around 800 sick, injured or orphaned hedgehogs every year.
Trustee and founder Anne Brummer said: ‘We spend a lot of time helping hedgehogs return to the wild but have become increasingly concerned about the decline in their population. With hedgehogs facing a real threat of extinction in Britain we knew we had to take action.’
It all started with Grace Amazing Grace is a campaign to save Britain’s hedgehogs. Anne recalls: “It all began with a rescue hedgehog called Grace. She came to us with a neck wound that thankfully she recovered from, but Grace was orphaned and underweight and had lost both her siblings. Grace needed time to recover. She did overcome her bad start in life and quickly became the inspiration for our campaign when she won the heart of guitar legend Brian May.
A helping hand from Queen! The Queen legend has supported the work of Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue for many years and is passionate about wild animals. Brian said: “It is shocking that hedgehogs could face extinction in the UK. We must unite and give these wonderful creatures a chance.” Brian’s wildlife charity The Save Me Trust is now working with Harper Asprey.
Our work started in our home village of Windlesham and working with the local residents, schools and the business community, we made Windlesham, the first hedgehog friendly village in Surrey. A good achievement but Grace had bigger plans...
An ambitious challenge An ambitious challenge to make the whole of Surrey Heath Borough ‘Hedgehog Friendly’ began this year by trying to make all gardens in Surrey Heath “Gracefriendly”. But with over 9500 hectares of land covering 16 parishes, it’s a massive challenge so Grace needs all the help she can get!
Anne said: ‘We are asking everyone to do something to help the hedgehogs in their local village or town. Every house gets an invite to meet Grace which explains why hedgehogs need our help. Our Grace banners have become a popular sight in the villages we’re working in and Grace can be spotted at many local landmarks. Grace is so popular she even has her own hashtag #AmazingGrace and you can find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Get down to the local pub! We call our family fun days ‘Grace Days” and they’re usually held in the garden of the local pub. There’s lots to do for all ages - the children can colour and draw and maybe help compose a hedgehog song whilst Mum and Dad do the serious
work of saving hedgehogs. We know that can be thirsty work - especially for Dads! But both Mum and Dad can relax with the kids safe in the wonderful safe setting of the local pub. No wonder Grace is so popular!
Grace really wants to encourage everyone to do something in their own gardens because if your garden has everything a hedgehog needs, one of her friends will make it their home.
Anne said: “Of course, there is a serious side - we are improving connectivity to open up new areas to isolated populations of hedgehogs. This is good conservation with a community benefit. Over time we will create a connected landscape that will deliver everything a hedgehog needs to be healthy and happy - and happy healthy hedgehogs leads to lots more hoglets being born year on year.’.
Doing your bit You will find lots of helpful advice and tips on Grace’s website and, we are happy to visit gardens in Surrey Heath to give specific advice. In fact, some people have been so enthused, they are now helping hedgehogs from the rescue centre return back to the wild through the soft release programme. More information can be found on the website.
Grace is a remarkable hedgehog. She has inspired so many people to take action to help her hedgehog friends. She really is incredible, in fact, we think she’s amazing!
The Amazing Grace project is run by Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue and supported by Dr Brian May’s Save Me Trust and British Hedgehog Preservation Society.
Find out more about the project by visiting www.gracethehedgehog.co.uk
