Hi Hedgie Lover
Yes, I know what you mean. Even if it’s a releif, when you’ve invested such a lot of time in looking after her, you are bound to feel a bit at a loss, to start with and feel as if you suddenly have lots of spare time.
Sounds as if you have a lovely place for the hogs, accesswise. Maybe you could have a chat with your slightly further away neighbours to see if anyone else is interested. But you could also see if the school were interested in being involved. Someone else was asking recently about how to involve their neighbouring college: https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/forums/topic/football-netting/
Hedgehogs are actually having a harder time in the country than they are in urban and suburban areas. Gardens can be ideal habitat for them, whereas large fields and less hedges than there used to be, not so good.
The strimmer thing is a problem. The most important thing is to get them to check the long grass and vegetation before they strim. Possibly with a blunt ended stick, like a broom handle. A hog might not like being pushed by a stick, but that is preferable to being strimmed. Better a grumpy hog than a dead or severely injured one. If they find one, maybe they could put the hog safely in a box whilst they are strimming and then return it to where they found it. Or you could do that for them, if you’re around. This is some information from BHPS FAQs, which you could use when talking to the people who strim:
Help! I’ve harmed a hedgehog whilst strimming.
Undoubtedly one of the most worrying calls we receive. PLEASE check areas thoroughly before strimming or mowing. These injuries are usually horrific and the hedgehog often has to be put to sleep, of course many are killed instantly with this kind of accident. Do check for hoglets as the nest you have strimmed could be a nursery nest.
They also have losts of posters, including this one: https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/posters/dangers.pdf
