Fly-tipped fencing turned into hedgehog homes

Hedgehog homes have been installed across Westbury to support local wildlife through the winter months.

Westbury Town Council ranger Darren Hill has been working alongside the British Hedgehog Preservation Society to build the homes, which are at Penleigh Park, Grassacres Park and near the library.

Three homes have been installed so far.

All three hedgehog houses have been made from recycled materials. One is made from pallet wood, while the other two are made from fencing panels that were fly-tipped locally.

The hideaways are designed to provide a safe space for hedgehogs to shelter as winter draws near.

The project will continue in the years ahead, with more homes made each year.

Ranger Darren Hill said, “I will also be making two more homes that will be a part of a prize for the Westbury Town Council Green Awards, the winner will be announced in the spring.”

The installation of hedgehog homes is the last part of a three-phase project in 2026, aimed at helping the local hedgehog population.

The first stage was to sign Westbury Town Council up as a hog hero, meaning the council will now display strimmer stickers on its machinery, reminding users to check for hedgehogs before using the equipment.

The second stage was for the council to design, make and install small animal watering points.

“We feel it is important to help support threatened species where we can, in a bid to help improve and maintain local biodiversity and ecology,” Darren added.