Crest Nicholson has constructed a specially designed ‘hedgehog highway’ at its Hygge Park development in Keynsham to encourage more wildlife in the area.
The highway, which has been built in partnership with Tyler Grange ecologists, will help hedgehogs roam freely at night between gardens, and keeps them safe by enabling them to avoid roads.
The initiative is complemented by a number of other features at the development, including nesting boxes for a variety of bat and bird species, and a bug mansion.
Tracey Gallacher, Head of Sales and Marketing at Crest Nicholson South West, said: “We take pride in building communities at Crest Nicholson, and that includes looking after the wildlife in and around our developments.
“A simple measure like the hedgehog highway is one example of the work that we’re undertaking, and it will allow the hedgehogs to find food and shelter safely.
“The highways are a key part of our sustainability promise so we’re also introducing them to our other sites and hope that our residents enjoy the sight of one of Britain’s indigenous animals.”
Dale Cooper, associate at FPCR, added: “Hedgehogs are crucial to Britain’s ecosystem, and are a very good biological pest control for gardens as they enjoy slugs, snails and insects.
“Unfortunately, multiple studies have shown that hedgehog populations have declined significantly in recent years, with road deaths one of the primary causes.
“The hedgehog highways, like at Hygge Park, can play a key role in their conservation by improving habitat connectivity and allowing hedgehogs to access more of the food and shelter needed for sustainable populations in urban areas.”
