A Manx charity dedicated to the protection of hedgehogs has been launched.
The Manx Hedgehog Conservation Society has one aim: ‘to encourage and advise the Manx public concerning the rehabilitation and preservation of sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs.
It was officially launched by Sandy Huyton of Dolittles non-profitable animal-assisted healing organisation with help from Mr Nozey, a rescue hoglet from two years ago who features in events and talks at venues across the Isle of Man.
It took place on Friday at the Education Support Centre in Glencrutchery Road, Douglas, which they have worked with for more than three years.
The charity is keen to highlight dangers to hedgehogs.
Residents are asked to make their gardens hedgehog friendly by taking these steps:
• Consider changing to animal and child friendly slug pellets
• Remove low lying netting from the garden
• Check ponds for drowning hedgehogs –a ramp will enable hedgehogs to climb out safely and save a life.
• Be aware of hedgehogs hiding in compost heaps.
• Place covers over recycling boxes on your paths as hedgehogs can become stuck inside tins etc
• Hedgehogs like to move between gardens. Creating a gap or hole of approximately five inches will provide access to foraging hedgehogs.
• Check your garden for sleeping hedgehogs before strimming,mowing or digging.
• Become litter friendly and dispose of all your rubbish.
Their banner, with the slogan ‘Watch Out, Hedgehogs About’, will be going on display around the island.
For more information about the charity visit the Manx Hedgehog Conservation Society Facebook page.
Contact the charity by calling 413921 or email manx hedgehogs@gmail.com