Hedgehog warning signs could be set for New Forest after Department for Transport relaxes rules

HEDGEHOG warning signs could pop up across the Forest after a rule change – and a local rescuer has welcomed the plan as “a brilliant idea”.

There are currently none in the county, but Hampshire County Council will consider their installation if evidence shows they would protect the species.

In December, the Department for Transport (DfT) introduced new changes to ensure local authorities can place “small wild animal” warning signs where needed rather than applying to DfT on a case-by-case basis.

Across England, hedgehogs are registered as vulnerable to extinction on the red list for Britain’s mammals.

Stats show hedgehog populations have fallen by 30% since 2000, with rural areas seeing a drop of 75%.

Transport secretary Mark Harper said: “These common-sense changes will lead to more small animal signs across the country, cutting down on bureaucracy to help protect both drivers and small animals, improving safety on our roads and making sure fewer casualties are checked into wildlife hospitals, like these.”

A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “We already work closely with a number of local wildlife and community groups to support their efforts in preserving different animal species through the erection of various forms of wildlife signage.

“This includes temporary signs for migrating species, such as toads, in certain parts of the county, as well as permanent road signs to help safeguard larger wildlife, such as horses in the New Forest.

“The hedgehog sign is one of a number of signs provided by the Department for Transport for local authorities to use. To date, we do not have any in situ, but would consider requests for their provision should evidence show that they are justified.”

Louise Godden who runs East Boldre Hedgehog Rescue welcomed the announcement and encouraged communities to contact the county council with ideas for hedgehog hotspots where signs should be installed.

She said: “This is a really brilliant idea. Hedgehogs certainly need all the help they can get and if drivers are a bit more aware it could be really make a difference. This winter has been especially bad but I’m thankful for the wonderful volunteers who come to help me everyday.”

“We need to be doing all we can to give hedgehogs a chance.”

In 2019, Hampshire was revealed to be the top county location for spotting hedgehogs, according to Hedgehog Street’s Big Hedgehog Map.

For more information about the map, visit https://bighedgehogmap.org