Wimborne women welcomes hedgehog family

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

An elderly member of the Wimborne Minster church congregation, who has been welcoming hedgehogs to her garden for the past couple of years, has been writing a daily diary about their activities.

“I was sitting watching TV one evening in July 2020 when I noticed two hedgehogs walking across the lawn,” she said.

“I heard a lot of huffing and grunting and so began their relationship,” she added.

The creatures went into hibernation in October, but returned in April 2021.

“I call the female Harley and when she returned she came with a companion which I assumed was one of her litter. I talk to her and she recognises my voice. She certainly isn’t frightened. I stand still and welcome them. On one occasion she sniffed my slippers.”

She said that the animals, which are an endangered species, arrive at around 10.15pm.

The lady, who lives close to the centre of Wimborne, and who asked us to protect her identity, has been able to photograph the comings and goings in her pretty garden, thanks to a member of the minster congregation who set up a camera.

“I’m so privileged that hedgehogs visit me and I hope that by me telling my story it will inspire others to feed any hedgehogs coming into their gardens.

“I think I’m very lucky as, when I lived in Merley, I was visited by badgers, a young deer and a fox,” she said.

Dorset Wildlife Trust advises feeding hedgehogs on wet cat or dog food, fruits, root vegetables and unsalted nuts.

Connect gardens to encourage hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are listed as ‘vulnerable to extinction’ and connecting adjacent gardens may help them to survive.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society and People’s Trust for Endangered Species are urging people to connect as many gardens in their area as possible, allowing these creatures to roam in search of food, mates and nesting materials.

This can be done by creating a ‘hedgehog highway’, whereby a 13cm or CD case sized square gap is made under garden fences or walls, and means hedgehogs can enter and leave each garden easily.

As an extra incentive, the two charities are running a competition to find ‘Britain’s Biggest Hedgehog Street’, with prizes including special Hedgehog Highway plaques and a hamper packed with hedgehogthemed goodies. The competition runs until 10 September. For top tips on how to help hedgehogs wherever you live, visit www. hedgehogstreet.org

Hazards to avoid for your pets this autumn

By Lynwood Vets

The season of mists and mellow fruitfulness presents a particular set of risks for pet cats and dogs.

At this time of year, vets see an increased incidence of upset tummies. This can be a result of the wetter and cooler weather favouring the growth of bugs in decaying matter. Dogs love to get their noses into interesting smells, but investigating some of these pungent aromas can get them into trouble.

The increased growth of toadstools and fungi presents a serious hazard to some pets, as some fungi are extremely poisonous and can be life endangering. Some dogs will also swallow acorns and conkers, both of which can cause serious gastric upsets.

If you are putting antifreeze in your car radiator, be very careful to wipe up any spillages. Antifreeze is extremely toxic to cats, who seem to be attracted to the taste. Ingestion causes acute kidney failure, which is often fatal.

Even the darkness itself can be dangerous – with an increasing incidence of cats injured by cars at night, it is recommended to keep them in during the lengthening nights.

Extra care should be taken with pets who are scared of fireworks, as the annual Guy Fawkes season kicks off an anxious time for many. Help is available from your vet to support you and your pet during this time.