HEDGEHOG highways are being installed in two developments near Taunton.
Barratt David Wilson homes, who are building both Nerrols Grange in Taunton and Moorland Gate in Bishop's Lydeard, are adding small gaps in fences and hedges to make sure hedgehogs can thrive in built up areas.
A hedgehog highway is a 13cm x 13cm gap for the creatures. As they travel up to 2kim every night looking for food and a suitable mate, space to move around easily is important.
"With 58 per cent of species having declined in abundance since 1970, and 15 per cent at risk of extinction from Great Britain, every community has a role to play in tackling the ecological and climate emergency," said Helen Nyul, Barratt Development's biodiversity manager.
"That's why we are committed to protecting and increasing biodiversity on all Barratt and David Wilson Homes sites.
"We have been thinking creatively about how to prioritise wildlife and these hedgehog highways will make a big difference giving hedgehogs more space to roam and find food.
"We encourage all new homeowners to keep these holes open to allow hedgehogs to pass through, as well as other animals like frogs and toads that may choose to make their home in your garden."
Barratt David Wilson Homes plants a minimum of 20 wildlife and bee-friendly shrubs for each house built.
They have also teamed up with the RSPB to create RSPB Gold, Silver and Bronze accredited show home gardens that encourage nature to thrive by providing food, through nectar and pollen-rich plants, plus water and shelter to attract insects, animals and birds.
Louise Ware, sales director for Barratt David Wilson Homes South West, added: "We are passionate about protecting local wildlife and encouraging biodiversity on all of our sites and these hedgehog highways are a simple but very effective way we can make our gardens hedgehog-friendly.
"Along with our work with the RSPB we are always looking for ways we can ensure nature has a home on our developments."
According to the Hedgehog Preservation Society, hedgehog numbers have fallen by 30 per cent in the UK in the past 10 years.
And it is thought there are fewer than one million left nationally.
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