Students help hedgehogs at Knightshayes

Hedgehog numbers are on the decline in Britain, partly due to loses of suitable habitats, but students on the National Citizen Service (NCS) Government scheme are working in partnership with Petroc College, Tiverton and Knightshayes to help boost the local hedgehog population.

On Wednesday 16 July, from 10am onwards, students will share their newly gained hedgehog knowledge and expertise to help the visitors at Knightshayes learn how to encourage hedgehogs into their gardens. They will also be working with the rangers to create a hedgehog-friendly habitat by placing hedgehog box homes around the Knightshayes parkland.

The Knightshayes estate has a diverse range of animals living in areas from grassland to hilly banks. Visitors can regularly spot birds of prey living in the tree tops and frogs and newts in parkland ponds.

Raef Johnson, Senior Ranger for Knightshayes said: “Knightshayes is fantastic place to see British wildlife, but we are always looking for ways to help out our local animals.

"Joining forces with Petroc NCS students to create perfect habitats for our hedgehog friends is a great way to help boost local hedgehog numbers in the Tiverton area.

"We are happy to host the students, particularly as they will have some great tips to share with our visitors on how to make gardens hedgehog friendly.”

This hedgehog awareness day is part of a series of events to share what Knightshayes has to offer by working in partnership with local community groups in Tiverton, Mid-Devon and beyond.