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| Species of the Month - April 2014 Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus
Hedgehogs are declining in Britain, mainly due to habitat loss and pesticides. Gardens can be a useful refuge for them. They will repay their keep as they eat slugs which are a constant menace to gardeners in this part of the world. There is plenty of information on the web about how to encourage hedgehogs into your garden and provide safe places for them to nest. An untidy garden is best! Slug pellets will kill hedgehogs.
Hedgehogs used to be common where I live near Taynuilt until 3 years ago when they disappeared after the long cold winter. They have yet to return, but hopefully they will recolonise from nearby populations. This winter has probably been kinder to hedgehogs than the previous two, as the weather has been milder and spring has come a bit earlier.
Hedgehogs roll into a ball
for protection. The only predator that can open a rolled-up
hedgehog is the badger. However, rolling up is not a good defence
against car wheels. Keep an eye out for hedgehogs when driving at
night. If you see one crossing the road, and it is safe to stop,
you can give it a helping hand by moving it to the verge.
They have about 5,000 spines, which are replaced when they fall out.
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Carl Farmer
15 Apr: One injured beside
road at Kilbrandon, Seil, reported by Pat Blunsden.
Mar 2014 - Hairy Bittercress
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