Hedgehogs are a vital biodiversity indicator species. As insectivores, they are excellent allies in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem. Unfortunately, in the UK there has been a significant reduction in their numbers in the last three decades. A 2022 report suggests hedgehogs have declined by between 30% – 75% across different areas of the countryside since the year 2000 – the largest declines being in the eastern half of England.

Development, pollution, disease, and climate change, alongside vehicle collisions, the use of pesticides and poorly managed domestic gardens, have all taken their toll and these fascinating mammals are now listed as “near threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list.

East Yorkshire Hedgehog Rescue is an organisation which cares for hedgehogs and provides welfare support. The organisation is run by volunteers and faced resource issues that had negatively affected their ability to support and safeguard the local hedgehog population. They needed additional accommodation to house hedgehogs and maintain operations after the lead volunteer experienced personal challenges preventing them from proceeding with the expansion plans.

The new unit, accommodating 15 hedgehogs at a time, provides increased capacity with more safe spaces for recovery and hibernation. This in turn not only benefits the local hedgehog population in Langtoft and surrounding areas, but also contributes to long-term environmental health and the monitoring of the local ecosystem, helping sustain biodiversity.

A spokesperson for the facility said: “The support Specialist Surfacing and Britcon have provided through the YOR4Good scheme has been invaluable, enabling us to expand our operations in new space to rescue and care for more vulnerable hedgehogs.”

The newly constructed shed and site preparation work ensures the charity can continue operating for many years to come. Volunteers will maintain the facility, with Britcon and Specialist Surfacing providing ongoing support as needed. The initiative aligns with the YOR4Good commitment to achieve social value through benefit in kind contributions.

Craig Tate, Director, Specialist Surfacing said: “Our team is always excited to support local organisations and charities particularly those in close proximity to our contracts. Working with the East Yorkshire Hedgehog Rescue was a fantastic experience to support the brilliant work they do caring for hedgehogs in East Yorkshire.”

Details for East Yorkshire Hedgehog Rescue can be found by clicking HERE

More information on hedgehogs and how we can help them can be found HERE