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Victory for hedgehog highway campaign
Hedgehog populations in the UK are thought to have declined by 95 per cent since the 1950s.

New build houses ‘should have wildlife-friendly features’

Housing developers have been ordered to do more to help British wildlife, including building ‘hedgehog highways’ in all new homes.

Communities secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP set out expectations for how developers can protect species, after an online petition received more than half a million signatures.

Fay Vass, chief executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) described the move as “one of the most significant breakthroughs” in the campaign to help hedgehogs.

House builders will be required to think about the long-term impact of their developments on the local ecosystem, and find innovative ways to allow nature to thrive.

This includes hedgehog highways in garden fences to allow the small mammals to move through back gardens in search of food and nesting spots. ‘Swift bricks’ can also be installed in the walls of new build homes, allowing birds to nest peacefully throughout the year.

Drainage areas can create attractive wetlands for birds and amphibians, and the communities secretary also called on developers to plant more trees and green meadows to support insects.

Rt Hon Brokenshire said: “Building the new homes this country needs must not come at the detriment of our natural heritage. It’s right that as we deliver houses for people, we must also provide homes for wildlife too - whether that’s for hedgehogs, frogs, newts or birds.

“The public have told us that protecting wildlife is important to them – so my message to house builders is to harness this support and get building in a way that protects the environment for the next generation.”

Hedgehog populations in the UK are thought to have declined by 95 per cent since the 1950s.

Fay Vass added: “Hedgehog numbers are declining dramatically - and house building is set to increase dramatically. This announcement will ensure that new developments, rather than further damage vulnerable hedgehog populations, may actually encourage them to flourish…
 
“We can do so much to help them by making our gardens hedgehog friendly. But unless the hedgehogs can get in - then the gardens are useless to these wonderful, charismatic creatures.”
 

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.