article_snippet: Britain's first dedicated hedgehog conservation area is launched today in an attempt to slow the species’ dramatic decline.
article_snippet: Conservationists have created a ‘hedgehog improvement area’ which opens today in Solihull, the West Midlands.
article_snippet: Britain's first dedicated hedgehog conservation area is launched today in attempt to slow the species’ dramatic decline (file picture)
article_snippet: Warwickshire Wildlife Trust project includes a 220-acre haven for the prickly mammals.
article_snippet: A group of volunteers will manage the green space, helping to establish a central sanctuary from which Warwickshire Wildlife Trust project is hoped the hedgehog population will be able to disperse and inhabit the surrounding countryside.
article_snippet: But Simon Thompson, hedgehog officer for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, said people across the country can do far more to help by taking simple measures in people across the country own back gardens.
article_snippet: Hard barriers make it impossible for hedgehogs to move from place to place - if hedgehogs are isolated in smaller and smaller areas of greenery, hedgehogs cannot feed or mate.
article_snippet: Simon Thompson said: ‘Something as basic as linking up a series of small isolated green patches with a hole no bigger than the size of a CD is a remarkably powerful and positive action for hedgehog conservation.
article_snippet: Making these connections between our own fenced-in islands of green spaces creates a continuous habitat corridor through which hedgehogs can forage, seek shelter and even rendezvous with potential mates.
article_snippet: ’ Fay Vass, chief executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, which is backing the project, said: ‘’ Fay Vass, chief executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, which is backing the project are delighted to be funding such an exciting and important project in Warwickshire that will hopefully benefit many hedgehogs.
article_snippet: Simple measures such as ensuring there is a five inch square gap in boundary walls and fences make a massive difference to local hedgehog populations.
article_snippet: There are many ways people can assist this declining species and we hope the project will complement we work to highlight the plight of the hedgehog.
highlights_snippet: Britain's first dedicated hedgehog conservation area launches today .
  
highlights_snippet: Warwickshire Wildlife Trust project includes 220-acre haven for hedgehogs .
  