The greatest danger to hedgehogs is not road traffic as we may think, but the lawnmower and strimmer. Our favourite wild animal - thanks to Beatrix Potter - the hedgehog is at greatest risk when it strays from its natural habitat, the open countryside.
Mrs. Sue Lewis who was Pilling W.I.'s speaker at the July meeting unintentionally became the founder of the largest Hedgehog Hospital in northern England through a simple humane response to a sick hedgehog.
Her talk was enthralling and educational.
These secretive creatures havebeen on earth for 5 million years; have evolved from hairy to spiky ones as a defence against predators; are completely nocturnal; the females resist mating until too tired to fight the male and have little maternal instinct once the hoglets are weaned and they live solitary lives.
Their diet is varied - worms, beatles, berries and some snails and slugs. If we see signs that they are creeping through the hedgerow into our gardens.
Do not leave them milk and bread as they will become sick.
Leave dishes of water and cereals such as Weetabix with dried fruit.
If you have concern that you may be feeding a rat or fox note that the hedgehog will overturn the dish after consuming the food.
A hedgehog seen in daylight is a poorly one and the best way to help is to place it into a box stronger than cardboard and seek a vet's help.
Have no fear of any fleas it may carry as they do not like skin and hair, so you and your family pets will be unharmed.
Hedgehog fleas, like their hosts, are becoming fewer and scientists are unsure yet of the significance of this.
There are 2,000 wild animals currently in danger of extinction.
Mrs.Lewis and her family, with the help of many unpaid volunteers, are helping to save Britains hedgehogs.
Mrs. Lewis was thanked by Sheila Dooley and then chose the winner of thecompetition for a ornamental pet.
First was Mrs. Elaine Whitehead and runners-up were Elizabeth Jenkinson, Betty Lawrenson and Lena Tooth.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday August 28th in the Fellowship Room of the Methodist Church at 7.30.p.m. when Mrs. Jean Hilton will speak on "Tales of Wonderment and Excitement"
The competition will be for book of Fairy Tales. Guests will be welcomed warmly.
- Call 01772 838104
- Fax 01772 880173
- Email yoursay@lep.co.uk
- Or write to: Community Reporter, Lancashire Evening Post Ltd, Oliver's Place, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9ZA
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