Barratt extends five star quality to local wildlife
South West housebuilder Barratt Homes is offering wildlife in the area a brand new home with a pledge to install hedgehog shelters at its new developments.
The plans to have hogitats at new developments come as the housebuilding industry marks New Homes Week (May 16-22) and sales director Sara Parker said this was an ideal opportunity extend its five star commitment to the local wildlife.
To mark the pledge pupils from Canada Hill Primary School in Newton Abbot visited Prickly Ball Farm and Hedgehog Rescue Centre to learn more about how to care for hedgehogs and their life in the wild.
Barratt Homes has a long term pledge to create more wildlife friendly developments to give nature a new home and Sara said the hedgehog shelters are an integral part of this mission.
“We will be installing these new shelters in areas of open space or around our show homes and hope that the hedgehogs will enjoy their new homes,’’ said Sara.
Barratt Homes has also issued a five star plan based on advice from experts at the Prickly Ball Farm for anyone looking to help hedgehogs in their own garden:
1 Create a haven for your garden hedgehog. A hogitat provides a dry, safe home but even a board against a fence will be a welcome retreat for your night time visitor.
2 Cover drains and holes as a hedgehog may fall in, and ensure there is an escape route in ponds. Always check for hedgehogs before using strimmers or mowers, particularly under hedges where animals may rest.
3 Don’t touch a hedgehog unless you think it is injured. If you do have to pick up a hedgehog, make sure you wear suitable gardening gloves or use a folded towel.
4 Put out fresh water for hedgehogs in the garden but don’t feed them milk. They are intolerant of the lactose in milk which can lead to diarrhoea, dehydration and death. Tinned meaty cat or dog food and even dry cat or dog food is a useful addition to a hedgehog’s diet.
5 Hedgehogs are generally nocturnal creatures so if you do see one in the daytime, it’s likely that it’s injured or sick.
Contact the Prickly Ball Farm and Hedgehog Rescue Centre on 01626 362319.
