Hedgehogs at RAF Cosford…

I’m new to the hedgehog fan club. I first became interested in them, during the hot spell last year, when a few started to turn up outside my Mess room for a drink at the birds’ water tray. so hog number three was also released.

After doing some research I discovered that they had been on the ‘Vulnerable to Extinction’ list since 2020, the population having been depleted by 75% over the last 20 years. This started my quest to help out these prickly creatures in any way I could!

I contacted Cuan Wildlife Rescue in Much Wenlock who provided me with information regarding feeding plus dimensions and design specifications for hog houses, hedgehogs typically hibernate from November to mid March. I had two houses made then created some more natural looking accommodation using bricks, straw and broken down pallets.

Hedgehogs will make their winter dwellings anywhere that looks cosy so please be careful when you sweep up piles of leaves and remove dead wood, there could be a sleepy hog underneath!

Following on from my questions to Cuan I was contacted by the rescue to ask if I could release two hedgehogs. They had been feeding them up so they were big enough to hibernate, around 500-600 grams will ensure they will get through winter. On the 06 November I collected then released them, I then received a further request on 29 December

The only natural predator in the UK for hedgehogs are badgers but a report in 2016 found that approximately 167,000 hedgehogs were killed by cars! Sadly, I found that one of the hogs living near the Mess had been hit by a car in the summer, this prompted me to approach the Station and ask if some signs could be made to highlight the fact they regularly cross the roads around camp.

My idea was fully supported by the SWO and with the help of CMT and Station Workshops some temporary signs were made. I installed them on the road by the WOs & Sgts Mess, hopefully drivers will slow down and the hogs will be able to cross safely.

Hedgehogs are known as the ‘gardeners’ friend’, they eat slugs and other unwanted pests so if you are lucky enough to have some of these lovely creatures visit please give them some food and water, they will really appreciate it.

RAF Cosford has a Conservation Area (CA) located near the Low Ropes exercise ground. A group of volunteers have been busy tidying up the wooded area to make it accessible for Station staff and their families. There is a pond, bee hives (honey has been produced from these), a circular pathway through and various habitats built to encourage wildlife.

If the Wildlife Rescue need any more hedgehogs releasing my intention is to utilise the Conservation Area.

If you would like to get involved with the upkeep of the CA or are interested in rewilding of areas around RAF Cosford (Project Greenspace) please get in touch with FS Nicola Tait at Nicola. Tait160@mod.gov.uk

Sgt Sarah Marshall