A Cumbrian project to help hedgehogs has been given a cash boost.
Melbreak Hedgehog Recovery Project was awarded a Community Investment grant of £1,499 from Cumberland Council.
It is led by Tanya St Pierre, chair of Melbreak Wildlife Group, an initiative of the Melbreak Communities.
The Hedgehog Recovery Project is the group’s latest project, running alongside their successful swift, barn owl and curlew recovery projects.
Tanya, who rescues, fosters and rehabilitates hedgehogs and hoglets in her spare time, said: “We’re very excited to receive the grant.
“This new project is the first, locally, to take direct action to raise awareness of hedgehogs and help reverse their decline in the Lorton Vale area.
“With information based on recommendations from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and RSPCA, the grant will enable the group to share knowledge about hedgehogs and provide practical training opportunities, such as monitoring populations, gathering data, siting nestboxes and feeding stations, and working with landowners, farmers and gardeners to improve habitat and create wildlife corridors in gardens and the wider countryside.
“Our aim is to empower and involve local people and communities of all ages to do something practical and positive for nature and wildlife, knowing they are making a difference – as well as enjoying watching wildlife flourish!”
According to a recent survey by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, hedgehogs have declined by 75% since 2000 in rural areas, and according to the International Union for Conservation in Nature, hedgehogs are now vulnerable to extinction in Great Britain.
Glenis Postlethwaite, chair of Melbreak Communities, which match funded the grant, said: “It’s great news! These lovable and charismatic animals need our help.
“The grant is a huge boost to get this project started, to help raise awareness of hedgehogs and bring together and involve the local community in supporting them.”
For further information, or if you would like to be involved, contact Tanya via email at tanya.stpierre@outlook.com
