The East Bergholt Futures Group are taking over the Hedgehog Friendly Village Project in East Bergholt from the Dedham Vale AONB who will continue to support the group as and when they need it.

They had their first event at the East Bergholt plant sale. They spoke to many residents about the initiative and discussed with them how they can help hedgehogs by making sure their gardens are connected and wildlife friendly.

Many people wanted hedgehog homes, some wanted to borrow footprint tunnels to see if they‘ve got hedgehogs and some requested help with making holes in their fences. The group are working with residents to create hedgehog champions who can encourage neighbours to create a hedgehog superhighway.

This will help ensure hedgehogs don’t need to go near roads. The group are also hoping the parish council will allow some hedgehog road signs to be installed in the village to encourage drivers to slow down in hedgehog areas.

This project was awarded funding last year through the Dedham Vale Sustainable Development Fund and it’s great the local group are continuing to support the initiative. The Dedham Vale AONB now hope to work with another village on a similar scheme as the hedgehog is one of the AONB’s priority species in their Nature Recovery Plan.