Thank you to those who’ve contacted me regarding the British Hedgehog Preservation Society’s debate in Parliament recently.

I support all calls for greater protections for hedgehogs as one of Britain’s most loved creatures. Here in Cardiff North, I am really pleased we have such a fantastic community of hedgehog lovers doing its part for the preservation of these special creatures.

Like you, I am concerned about the overall decline of hedgehogs across the UK and the potential impact that the review may have on legal protections. In Wales, the Welsh Government is responsible for the protection of hedgehogs. Current legislative and policy framework provides protection and they’re listed as species of principle importance under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. The Welsh Government also funds the NRW-led Natur am Byth project which delivers priority actions to support habitats and species of principle importance, like hedgehogs. However, there’s of course always more that could be done for the protection of this much-loved species.

Unfortunately, I was unable to speak in the debate due a longstanding Parliamentary commitment, however I will continue to work with local community groups and colleagues at Parliamentary levels to push for greater protections.