Local hedgehogs will soon find it easier to get out and about more easily thanks to a partnership between Falkirk Council’s Housing service and the Falkirk Wildlife Conservation Group (FWCG).

‘Hedgehog highways’ are being introduced in fences constructed in new build housing being put up across the local area.

A small gap (around 15cm by 15cm) is left at the foot of a panel on the fence to allow hedgehogs and other small mammals to travel freely at night through gardens.

Hedgehogs can travel up one mile at night through our gardens scavenging for food.

Across the UK the population of hedgehogs is in decline because of the difficulty the face in finding new areas to explore.

John Apperson, Property and Asset manager explained: “With the funding we have received FWCG we will install small signs to remind people we have left a small gap in their fences for a reason and should leave them clear so that small mammals can easily move about.

“We’re happy to help with this project and hopefully will be able to help boost the hedgehog population locally.”

You can find out more about the work of FWCG on their Facebook page.