Britain 's first dedicated hedgehog conservation area is launched today in an attempt to slow the species ’ dramatic decline . The number of hedgehogs in the country are estimated to have dropped 40 per cent in the last two decades . Conservationists have created a ‘ hedgehog improvement area ’ which opens today in Solihull , the West Midlands . Scroll down for video . Britain 's first dedicated hedgehog conservation area is launched today in attempt to slow the species ’ dramatic decline ( file picture ) The Warwickshire Wildlife Trust project includes a 220-acre haven for the prickly mammals . A group of volunteers will manage the green space , helping to establish a central sanctuary from which it is hoped the hedgehog population will be able to disperse and inhabit the surrounding countryside . 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 their own back gardens . Part of the reason that hedgehogs have decline so far is thought to be linked to the widespread loss of bushes and hedges , which have been replaced in many back gardens by hard wooden or metal fences . Hard barriers make it impossible for hedgehogs to move from place to place - if they are isolated in smaller and smaller areas of greenery , they can not feed or mate . Mr 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 . The number of hedgehogs in the country are estimated to have dropped 40 per cent in the last two decades ( file picture ) ‘ 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. ’ Fay Vass , chief executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society , which is backing the project , said : ‘ We are delighted to be funding such an exciting and important project in Warwickshire that will hopefully benefit many hedgehogs . ‘ 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 . ‘ There are many ways people can assist this declining species and we hope this project will complement our work to highlight the plight of the hedgehog . ’
Britain 's first dedicated hedgehog conservation area launches today . Hopes reserve will help slow the species ' dramatic decline in last 20 years . Warwickshire Wildlife Trust project includes 220-acre haven for hedgehogs . Prickly mammals ' decline said to be linked to loss of bushes and hedges .