What progress has been made in the establishment of hedgehog houses and highways on Welsh Government estates?
Welsh Government’s Administrative Estate has four sites with hedgehog homes and we have plans for additional hedgehog houses at our Carmarthen and Swansea sites next year. The map attached illustrates the range of biodiversity enhancements being undertaken on the Administrative Estate including hedgehog homes.
Welsh Government’s Economic Infrastructure Asset Management team ensure that all new and upgraded roads include wildlife culverts under them as indicated by wildlife surveys. These are multi-species provisions, including for hedgehogs. Hedgehog houses are not provided near highways as proximity can increase risk to hedgehogs.
The Welsh Government Woodland Estate is about one sixth of Wales’ land area and is managed by NRW. Conifer plantations and other managed woodland provide ample habitat for hedgehogs to live naturally without artificial houses and routes.