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Census to investigate nation’s hedgehog homes
Intensive farming, loss of hedgerows and tidy, fenced-in gardens are just some of the threats facing Britain’s native hedgehogs.
Results will inform ongoing conservation work 

The first ever national Hedgehog Housing Census has been launched to help fight the ongoing decline in native hedgehog population numbers.

Organised by Hedgehog Street, a nationwide campaign set up by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), the Census will delve deeper into the world of hedgehogs.

Between now and October 31, it aims to answer several questions about how hedgehogs live, particularly their use of artificial hedgehog houses, which until now, have not been studied.

The data will be gathered via an online survey and will be analysed by scientists at the University of Reading. The results will help the Hedgehog Street team find out about what the best type of hedgehog house is and how they can be used to support hedgehog conservation.

Emily Wilson, hedgehog officer for Hedgehog Street, explains: “We know thousands of people across the UK have hedgehog houses in their gardens, but what we don’t know is whether they actually benefit hedgehogs. No one has conducted this type of research before, so our results will help inform current advice on how best to use a hedgehog house.

“Through the Hedgehog Housing Census, we will investigate the nation’s hedgehog homes, to find out what works best for hedgehogs, which in turn will help our ongoing conservation work.”

Intensive farming, loss of hedgerows and tidy, fenced-in gardens are just some of the threats facing Britain’s native hedgehogs. According to the State of Britain’s Hedgehogs report 2015, it is thought that populations have declined by up to a third in urban areas, and by at least half in rural areas since 2000.

Emily concludes: “There are lots of ways people can help hedgehogs, but in addition to making a small hole in your fence, providing the correct food and drink, and keeping areas of your garden untidy, if you are lucky enough to see hedgehogs in your garden, you can further help these endangered creatures by having the right accommodation on hand ready for them when they need it.”

The data will be analysed over the winter months, with the results due to be published in spring 2018. To take part in the Census, visit hedgehog street.org/housingcensus

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."