Being wildlife friendly

It is great to live in the countryside, with wildlife all around, so lets all do our bit to support the local animals and birds.

Hedgehog numbers are diminishing across the country but here in Suffolk we are lucky to still have reasonable populations of hedgehogs, and we know that there are some of these special mammals in and around Barningham, so lets conserve them while we still can.

What can you do?

* * Put food out for hedgehogs in spring to help keep them strong as they emerge from hibernation. Dog food or cat food will do, though hedgehog food is better. Bread is not good for them.

* * Avoid using garden chemicals, particularly slug pellets, which are very toxic to hedgehogs and pets. Hedgehogs are natural slug and snail killers.

* * Consider creating gaps under fences to enable them to increase their territories by moving freely between gardens.

* * If you see hedgehogs, check the Suffolk Wildlife Trust website and report sightings. Any injured or sick hedgehogs can be taken to local vets- it's not normal to see healthy hedgehogs out in daytime.

For more information go to:

BBC Radio Suffolk's Going the Whole Hog

Suffolk Wildlife Trust Hedgehogs need our help

In addition, it is great to put out a variety of foods to suport the local bird population. Come down to Aggie's Piece and see what wildlife you can see. To report any unusual sightings email us : vicky.gay@btinternet.com