Full Breakdown
East Riding of Yorkshire Launches Hedgehog Highway Initiative
5/8/2026, 11:03:25 AM
Hedgehog Highway Initiative Launched in East Riding
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has begun a hedgehog-highway programme during National Hedgehog Awareness Week (3-9 May). More than 180 “hogway” frames, donated by Timloc, will be distributed to residents. The frames, made from recycled, recyclable material, fit around small (13 × 13 cm) openings in garden gates and fences, allowing hedgehogs to move between private gardens without crossing busy roads.
Declining Hedgehog Populations and Awareness Week
Hedgehog numbers across Britain have fallen sharply since 2000, with declines of up to 75 % in rural areas and 30 % in towns. National Hedgehog Awareness Week encourages homeowners to create safe passages, report sightings and support conservation. The hedgehog is a flagship species for the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (HEY LNRS).
Key Stakeholders
- Paul West, Councillor (environment & transport), East Riding of Yorkshire Council
- Timloc, East Yorkshire manufacturer of the hogway frames
- Molescroft Wildlife Network & Greener Pocklington – local distributors
- Hedgehog Preservation Society – runs the Big Hedgehog Map
- HEY LNRS – regional biodiversity plan
Distribution and Community Engagement
Frames will be handed out by Molescroft Wildlife Network and Greener Pocklington, and will also be available at an open day at Tophill Low Nature Reserve and the Driffield Show. Residents are urged to install hogways, create openings where gaps are absent, and log sightings on the Big Hedgehog Map (https://bighedgehogmap.org/). The scheme links garden habitats, giving hedgehogs safer access to food, water and shelter.
Official Statements & Responses
Council officials say the programme aims to improve hedgehog connectivity, reduce road mortality and support the HEY LNRS flagship species. They stress that resident participation—installing hogways and recording sightings—is essential for measuring impact.
Criticism & Opposition
The source material does not record any public criticism or opposition to the initiative.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're delighted to promote the environment in the East Riding, and this is a fantastic way we can play our part to support local wildlife.” — Paul West, Councillor, East Riding of Yorkshire Council
- “We encourage all residents to install their own hogways, and log any hedgehogs they see.” — Paul West, Councillor, East Riding of Yorkshire Council
- “Residents are also encouraged to create their own hogways, by cutting hedgehog-sized openings in their gates and fences where a lack of gaps presently excludes spiny visitors” — Spokesperson, East Riding of Yorkshire Council
- “ The 'hogways' have been donated by East Yorkshire manufacturer Timloc and are made from recycled, recyclable materials.” — East Riding of Yorkshire Council
What’s Next
Frames will be showcased at the Tophill Low open day and the Driffield Show later this month. Ongoing data collection via the Big Hedgehog Map will continue throughout Hedgehog Awareness Week and beyond, informing possible expansion of the programme.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All three sources present a consistent description of the initiative, the number of frames, and the quoted statements; no discrepancies or missing information were identified.
