Everyone Deserves a Voice. (Makaton for Memory Loss).

Perhaps it is my lived experience of raising and supporting a son with complex and persistent speech and language difficulties, that has left me with a real interest in the importance of communication and language.

The importance of effective communication cannot be underestimated. what ever method we use, we need to be able to connect with others and to make our wishes known. It is fundamental and something that most of us are lucky enough to take for granted.

This blog relates to those with memory loss.

When speech isn't fluent, when it fails, or is absent it can result in huge angst and sadly for those with dementia Speech and Language therapy is rarely offered.

I coordinate our local memory cafe , alongside a team of lovely volunteers, and we care very much, that as well as offering entertainment and activities, we can empower our guests to be their best selves and to feel that they are able to input into what is on offer. 

To have their voices heard and understood.

When I first met Alex Findlay a Speech and language therapist with a specialist interest in Dementia , and subsequently Sara Winfield , a speech and language therapist who is also a Makaton trainer ), I was very keen to find out more about their work and how it might improve the lives of those with memory loss.

Alex and Sara kindly came to talk to us at Howden Rotary Memory Cafe   about Dementia and communication.

Dementia/memory loss can be a cruel master and for those who have the diagnosis it can mean that they come to rely more and more on their supporter/loved one and they may lose confidence and withdraw from activities. Dementia often means that eventually an individual may have word finding difficulties and problems with the production and organisation of intelligible speech. Not being able to make yourself understood can be very frustrating and distressing, leading to confrontation and feelings of guilt and a feeling of impotency for those around them.

Alex and Sara (along with skilled Makaton practitioner Jo)  offer a five week Makaton training course for those with dementia and their chosen partner. The Programme is entitled 'Watch My Needs'. The idea being that people are taught to use signs and symbols  as well as their voices to communicate.

My first thought was "Why on Earth has this not been done before?".  A programme that may assist people with dementia to go on communicating meaningfully even when they are having issues with speech and language can only be a good thing. (There are an estimated 982,000 people in the UK living with dementia).  

Makaton uses signs, symbols and speech. It is very visual and it helps orientate  people to choices in, for example, food and drink or perhaps what clothes to wear.

Each session covered a different aspect of daily living ...

• Greetings
• Wellbeing 
• Daily activities
• Makaton for meal times
• Makaton priorities

Each couple were provided with  a manual to use during the 90 minute training sessions , and to keep for homework/practice and future reference.

I set about looking for funding and was delighted when the Two Ridings Community Foundation granted half of the total cost. . The remainder was paid for by the memory cafe via fund raising efforts.

Twenty Six people signed up eagerly and quickly for the course and others remain on a waiting list for future courses.

The course is suitable for anyone with dementia who is able to follow the content (so those with a recent diagnosis). However,  some of our course members were further along their dementia journey but they will undoubtedly still benefit from the knowledge and skills that their supporter acquired.

For some, speech along with a few visual clues would suffice but for others the use of symbols, labelling and choice boards may be more appropriate. A combination of all those things would be better suited to some and the course underlines the need for participants to use what they have learned in a way that suits them as individuals in their daily lives, and to create their own choice boards . After all, its pointless knowing the sign for beer, if you only drink wine!!!!

Importantly the course was supportive and fun,  and Alex and Sara gently encouraged participants  to use what they had learned within a room of total understanding, where every person wanted others to succeed.  We were soon introducing ourselves with signs as well as voices, and asking pertinent questions. It was a session we all looked forward to.

Alex also described some strategies that may help people to find their voice and to help their supporters to make useful adaptations to the way in which they communicate to improve success.  

Comments at the end of the course included ...

"It really is a fabulous and worthwhile course, I’m hopeful that what I’ve learned will be invaluable as communication deteriorates. Feel very lucky that Howden Rotary Memory Cafe provided this for us."

" Thankyou so much. This will make such a difference to us, our relationship and future"

I felt very privileged to have  been able to organise and offer this course alongside these very skilled professionals.  I believe it is the first of its kind to be offered in our area (Howden be proud).  I really hope that it isn't the last.

I honestly think it should be on offer to all those with dementia. The results would be life enhancing, and may well keep people at home longer, freeing up space in our overstretched health and social care system.

Anyone, who works with, supports, or is interested in this, please see 

https://everyonedeservesavoice.co.uk/   

For further information.

If you would like to know more about Makaton, the Makaton Charity offers free resources and information. 

https://makaton.org/TMC/Member_Home.aspx?WebsiteKey=2d2ed83b-15c1-4b7f-b237-8ca41598fd50

Alex Findlay's F/B Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085860356864

Sara Winfield's F/B page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063553748006

Jo Bryenton's F/B page https://www.facebook.com/jbmakatontutor

Two Ridings community Foundation F/B page https://www.facebook.com/TwoRidingsCF

Howden Rotary Memory Cafe F/B page https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=howden%20rotary%20memory%20cafe

  

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My journey with cancer. Part 1

by Gill Dixon, PGCE,MA,BHSCHons,RGN, Human

I am writing this blog, not for a sympathy vote, BUT in the hope that it will inform and perhaps help someone. I do not want or need gushing responses of sympathy. Please resist.

I am fine.

This journey is not something I had factored into my life and certainly was not one that I would willingly buy a ticket for, but it is a journey that is necessary and so my response to it has nothing to do with bravery, it is just is what it is.

I have a Grade two Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of my right breast. I am one of a whole army of women who are going through a similar thing.

It is important to note that this is MY journey with MY cancer because there are different types and grades and then different histology factors that affect treatment and recovery.

My tumour was detected on a routine mammogram , it was 1.3 cms in size but completely impalpable (couldn't be felt).

The importance of mammograms is illustrated right there.

Within two weeks I was called to the fantastic Breast Assessment Centre at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, where I underwent an ultrasound examination. This revealed a hard irregular lump which I was told wasn't a cyst, and with a background in nursing the terms 'hard' and 'irregular' made me in that moment realise that this was very probably  a malignant tumour. Four biopsies were taken under local anaesthetic and a radio locater inserted in case surgery was required ( I knew that surgery would very probably be required). There was no pain involved. Then another mammogram to ensure that there had been no real change to the picture seen in the the  routine one. After that appointment I had a conversation with a Macmillan Nurse who offered me a telephone number and talked me through what might happen next.

The radio locater is a little device that allows a surgeon to pin point the exact location of the tumour. making the removal of the tumour a very exact science really.

Then the waiting.... A very long two weeks for the results. That may seem a long time, but Castle Hill have a slick system, where all patients are discussed by the whole team on a Friday. My biopsy was taken on a Wednesday so I knew I would miss the following Fridays session, but would probably make the one after that and that proved to be the case.

Results are not given over the phone or in writing but require a face to face consultation.

I am a pretty pragmatic person. My tumour is relatively small, and was found early so I have every reason to be optimistic but it is true to say that I suffered palpations and  I entered the room with a certain amount of trepidation when I returned for my results.

I was told that I had a Grade 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (no special type)  which is the most common type. Invasive means that it has spread outside of the ducts into the surrounding tissue.

Grade 2 meant that the cells look abnormal and are growing faster than they would be with a Grade 1, but not as fast growing as a Grade 3.

The tumour was still impalpable (even to the surgeon) and for that reason he asked for a second locater to be inserted.

I was offered a mastectomy but advised that a breast conserving wide excision would be his recommended route in the first instance. I can remember when I was nursing 40 years ago I always said that I would opt for a full mastectomy, but treatments (and success rates) have moved on dramatically since then and breast cancer treatment is so specific,and exact now. The less surgery, the better and quicker the recovery and the number of women who can be treated increases. Win, win. They would also remove the sentinel lymph nodes (those are the nodes nearest to the tumour) to ensure that here was no spread of cancer cells into the lymphatic system and elsewhere.

I was asked if I could come for surgery 5 days later. You bet I could!

The following day I went for the insertion of the locater. This time it was less easy and more uncomfortable as my breast was already sore and hardened by the previous insertion but it got done and for the first time I felt a bit sorry for myself as I left the room.

Surgery.

I was admitted to a single room at 07.30 in the morning. I had a good book so was set for a wait.

The usual meetings with the very pleasant surgeon  (arrow drawn towards right boob), anaesthetist (very experienced chap thankfully) and the usual pre op vital signs stuff and application of the wonderful TED stockings to prevent thrombosis (blood clot) formation.

I was very pleased to be told that I seem very fit and all my pre op assessment stats were excellent. 

At 09.45 I was collected and taken to the department of nuclear science where a radio active agent was injected into my right nipple by a lovely girl in full protective gear.

I remember her saying.... 'This might sting a bit'  .

I remember me thinking....

It did, but not for long.

I was told that I needed to flush the toilet twice if I had a wee ( my wee was an actual weapon!) and the radio activity would wear off over the next 8 hours. This agent is taken up by the lymph nodes and then takes up a blue dye injected during surgery which then makes the lymph nodes very easy to identify for the surgeon (clever stuff). I must admit that I was absolutely fascinated by these procedures and their ability to increase the accuracy of the surgery. I was also glad that I was told that my breast and chest would be a nice shade of blue and my excretions would also take on an unusual green colour. Not to worry.

I was called down to surgery at 1500hrs and asked to sit in an ante room while they prepared the theatre. I read a very interesting article in the New scientist about the role of the Fascia in the alleviation of Chronic pain whilst I was there. 

I was called into theatre by the lovely anaesthetic assistant Imogen who as I went to sleep I remember saying' 'We will take good care of you Gill, and keep you safe'. That was the one and so far only time I nearly cried. Such comforting words as I drifted off. (Thankyou Imogen).

Back on the ward by 1800hrs and home for 22.30 hrs, sore and exhausted but SO relieved to have the tumour out and the surgery done.

I have a three inch scar under my arm which has been the most sore, and a two to three inch one around my nipple which makes my right boob look really unhappy (and lets face it, it probably is!!!). 

Of course it has been sore and uncomfortable, I've had to work at getting full movement back and it has curbed my activities some what but I returned to Tai Chi and the co ordination of the local memory cafe two weeks post op and Pilates 3 weeks post op. My wild swimming is forbidden (bacterial risk) which was a blow and I was advised not to cycle for a while. I have been overwhelmingly and suddenly tired but that is now passing.

The whole process so far has been seamless, compassionate and kind and I have been very well informed with a whole library of information to refer to.

On Tuesday I return to find out if there has been any spread and to discover my onward journey and adjuvant treatments. These include....

Further surgery.

Chemotherapy

Radiotherapy

Hormone

Targeted

Bisphosphonates.

Am I nervous? You bet I am but I am also realistic and optimistic. 

The treatment I have received (at a time when all the reports point to  an NHS on its knees) has been second to none. Speedy, efficient, organised, compassionate and thorough.

It will be four weeks post op and I have regained my strength and vigour ready to take on the next part of my journey, chin up  and full of gratitude for the expertise that has come to my rescue.

To be continued........

Emotional Impact/what I have learned.

In truth the whole experience has been a little surreal, like its happening to some one else and it is still a little difficult to believe that I have Cancer. I haven't yet felt a need to cry or feel sad. It has brought certain things sharply into focus. Those that know me are aware that I am the supporter, advocate and warrior for my son Joe and I would very much like to see him safely settled somewhere where he can eventually live successfully without my input, before I die. That is proving to be very difficult but I am sure that my determination will win through in the end.

I have never been afraid to die, primarily because I'm not afraid of dying but as my husband says, it would be handy if that wasn't right now!

I have been more able to focus on the small, good things in my life and I have definitely learned who will be there for me in a time of need.

My life has been in a kind of limbo, as I have to give my treatment priority so am reluctant to sign up for anything else.

I have read some excellent books and spent lots of time with my beloved dogs which has been a treat.

I needed more vases (thankyou all for the beautiful flowers).

I will try and slow down a bit after this, consider a bit more self care (not something I am good at) .

My hubbie is a complete star. Thankyou Phil xxxxx

My thanks to..... 

• Mr Mahapatra and his whole team. Hero's in plain clothing.
• Ward 16 staff for the kindness and care (that includes the cleaner and porter).

• Phil (my husband, positivity guru, nurse maid and chef).
• My family and friends (particularly Val who helped more than she knows). Every check in, every message, every heart emoji, every gentle hug, every card, flower, gift and visit has really made a difference.

Further sources of help.

www.breastcancernow.org

Helpline 0808 800

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Castle-Hill-Hospital-Breast-unit/127551000774835

 How well do you know your local rescue?

by Gill Dixon PGCE,MA,BHScHons,RGN

People are often surprised to hear that hedgehog rescues are completely unregulated. No mandatory training is required and currently no mandatory inspections take place (although there are plans afoot for council led inspections and licencing to become a necessary requirement), and a supporting vet should surely want o take even a cursory glance around any establishment he or she is supporting. Mine certainly did.

Currently ANYONE can put up a sign and open a rescue.There is though so much more to it than simply loving hedgehogs. It is a huge and relentless undertaking and should be carefully considered.

Hedgehogs are a very specialist species, our only indigenous spikey animal with a fantastic musculature and anatomy allowing them to move at speed and to curl into an impenetrable ball in times of need. There is an interesting dichotomy in their survival though as they are regularly voted Britain's favourite creature, whilst being the one that is experiencing a spectacular decline usually as a result of human intervention. (Wembridge, D et al 2022) .  Veterinarians currently have no mandatory training for wildlife and so it may beyond their capabilities to offer more than first aid (this is not always the case). A good rescue will have a productive relationship with their vet and indeed must technically work under the supervision of a vet.

I run Pricklington Palace Hedgehog rescue in rural East Yorkshire, which was officially opened in 2017 after a rescue that was closing put out a plea for people to consider opening replacement rescues. As a retired nurse, with a longstanding friendship with my then vet I thought why not? I have always loved and respected nature and  animals, and have spent my entire life surrounded by a variety of species. I now live on a smallholding and am lucky enough to have  2 acres devoted to wildlife, with planting, features, a large wildlife pond, bird and bat boxes,  hedgehog highways and wildflower meadows.  I spend much of my time promoting care of the wild and advising how people can make a real difference to their patch. I strongly believe that we can re wild our country garden by garden, village by village and town by town. I have worked with developers, businesses and individuals in the promotion of wildscapes. I feel very deeply about what is happening to our planet. The decline of hedgehogs is part of that. They are an indicator species, a barometer of how well we are doing in our natural world. We are not doing well currently.

Hedgehogs are a beleaguered species, much of their habitat lost to development and many hazards put in their paths unwittingly by humans. Rescues are in short supply and it can be very frustrating for members of the public to find a rescue with space to admit another sick animal. When a member of the public happens upon a sick or injured hedgehog they are usually very keen to get it to a rescue but which rescue to choose? The answer is usually the nearest, or the one with a space.

We wouldn't do this with a domestic pet. We would research and ask and query the credentials of the practice before letting them loose on our beloved pets. For wild animals the same concern doesn't currently apply. People simply assume that the rescuer knows exactly what they are doing. But is this always the case?

I think people will be surprised to know that hedgehog rescuing is a pretty divisive arena, with lots of disquiet amongst rescuers themselves. I am lucky to be part of a consortium of rescuers who regularly talk, share and support each others work. It is a model I can highly recommend to others. I manage a team of foster carers who can take on  animals who have been stabilised.

Yorkshire rescues are also lucky enough to have a website dedicated to them which was set up by a rescuer in Micklefield and which has been an enormous help to us all. www.yorkshirehedgehogs.co.uk

The welfare of wild animals is depressingly low in any political or economic arena. Vets do not get any remuneration for treating them (they are very busy people who are often under resourced), rescues get no funding, but have to pay for treatments, and rescuers devote hours and hours of their time on a purely voluntary basis. It is system open to abuse, both in a physical and financial sense, and I really wish it wasn't so.

So why does a member of the public accept any rescue?

This may be for a number of reasons..

• Ignorance...a blind belief that all rescues are good rescues.
• Space availability. Rescues are often full to the brim.
• Recommendation from a friend or on social media.
• A mad search for someone who will take responsibility for the ailing animal.
• Desperation.

In the five years of running a rescue I have witnessed ways in which some rescues bypass even the most basic of requirements.

I am heartened to see some excellent practice in and around my area and further afield, but I have also been made aware of practice that falls very short of good and could even be construed as cruel. This may be due to ignorance on behalf of the rescuer, an inability to turn anything away until the rescuer simply cannot care for the huge number in their premises, greed (yes hedgehogs can and do generate monetary donations), or simply a lack of knowledge and skills.

I witness newspaper reports talking of 'wonderful' pensioners with 500 hedgehogs in their care, members of the public applauding a rescuer who puts aside their own ailments to care for sick hedgehogs. People applauding martyr type behaviour. This should not be happening.

It can NEVER be good to have 500 hedgehogs in one premises unless there is the space, staff and resources to care for 500 animals appropriately. Rescuers who stay up night and day are not martyrs, they are usually ill informed. One cannot tend to the needs of acutely ill animals with no sleep.

Some rescuers take on the role to fill a hole in their own psyche, a need to be needed perhaps, or a role that gives them a feel good factor. This should not be happening.

The truth is that those that close their doors when they have reached their limits (be that in time, energy or space) are in my opinion the responsible ones.

It is extremely important to know ones limitations and to always put the welfare of the animals at the  forefront of any decision making. 

In the last five years I have honestly lost sleep after being sent pictures of hedgehogs piled up in peoples lounges in plastic containers.  Dirty pens with ten or more hoglets in, disabled female hedgehogs forced to mate by being enclosed in a hutch with a male. Hedgehogs being passed around to visitors desperate to hold and pet them. Hedgehogs kept in small hutches from November to May 'because its cold' outside, hedgehogs kept alive well after the time it is kind to do so., and hedgehogs transported to stately homes hundreds of miles away from their natural territory which is so very wrong on many levels.These are wild nomadic animals, hard wired to be wild, they do not want to be handled or be at the mercy of ill placed  anthropomorphism. Our role is to interfere with them as little as possible, to rehabilitate them and set them free in their familiar surroundings as soon as we can safely do so.

In sharp contrast to these horror stories, I witness some excellent and selfless individuals who constantly put the animals at the top of the agenda and work tirelessly with real expertise to help these beleaguered little mammals.

Rehabilitating wild animals is not for the faint hearted. hedgehogs are nocturnal and so by the time they are found out in the day they are usually quite poorly. Many die despite our best efforts.  It is relentless, 365 days a year and often very long days meaning that  individuals have to turn down family gatherings, holidays or day trips. The public have high expectations of their rescue centres 'staff' never questioning what other demands a person is responding too. I have one member of staff. Me.

As well as the animals we may manage volunteers, foster carers, a rota of help, a phone line, accounts and stock taking and many calls for fundraising, giving talks, writing articles or advice.

If people cant reach me on my dedicated hedgehog phone line (which always sign posts people to other rescues), they message, or WhatsApp, or Facebook or email me or simply deposit the sick animal on my doorstep.   I don't wear a little blue cape though, I am not a superhero, I am a human doing her very best amongst many other demands to make a difference to the success of this species.

Hedgehogs are afforded very little protection and once in a rescue it seems impossible to get any organisation to take concerns or complaints against a fellow rescuer seriously.

People keep them in bird cages, plastic troughs, free roaming in their houses and there seems to be absolutely no recourse. 

Once captured (and they are far too easy to interfere with) they seem to  exist under the radar of any organisation concerned with animal welfare. It is exasperating and quite literally heartbreaking.

All in all the hedgehog rehabilitation world has at times, brought me to my knees. and I feel powerless to make a real difference to their welfare other than on an individual basis.

However, this year the Wild Life Care Badge (WCB) was launched. 

Please see https://www.wildlifecarebadge.com/ or

https://www.facebook.com/WildlifeCareBadge

The WCB is a practical & immediate way to support & empower every Wildlife Rescue & Rehabber up to a minimum standard of care ASAP.

I was one of the first cohort of rescuers to apply to gain this accreditation and I can honestly say that any rescue that has nothing to hide will breeze through it. 

People might say, so whats the point? These very minimal requirements are being called too demanding and unrealistic by some rehabbers - who frankly shouldn’t be operating - so the point is that the WCB requirements are starting to bring out those people who should really be asking themselves - and are being asked by its developers,  why they can’t even meet these basic standards.

The point is that at last we have a way of  beginning to regulate rescues.

Currently the badge simply acknowledges that the rescue has reached a minimum standard but there will soon be add on units to enhance the standard reached.

In time it is hoped that it is seen as a standard of excellence. A recognition of good practice. A celebration of knowledge and expertise. A badge to be worn and displayed with pride. An award that Vets and members of the public will ask a rescue  to have,' before depositing a hedgehog into their care.

I'm not suggesting this will be a quick fix , quite the reverse. It will be an evolution rather than a revolution but it is a start, and in my eyes a VERY welcome one.

Some rescuers may see it as pointless, they are working well, with great standards of care, great Vet relationships, record keeping and knowledge, but we need all those rescues to jump on board. We really do. It needs to be seen as a standard and something all rescues want to be part of.  the accreditation is set up to help each rescuer be successful, the knowledge assessment can even be taken as a practice or anonymously. This is not in any way to point a finger at or root out the mavericks. It is to assist everyone to meet the standards that should really be in place anyway.

If you are reading this please have a look at the information provided on the website or Facebook page and share it with your local rescue, or veterinary practice.

Lets bring wild animal welfare into the limelight and expect great service for all wild animals in a time of need..

REF

Wembridge D, Johnson G,  Al-Fulaij N,  &  Langton s.   The State of Britains hedgehogs  2022

Mummy, whats a hedgehog?

Mummy, whats a hedgehog?

by  Gill Dixon, PGCE,MA,BHScHons,RGN.

As well as being a popular, beneficial and distinctive native mammal, hedgehogs are a flagship species: what’s good for hedgehogs is good for many other species too. Like the miner’s canary, its demise is a warning of a failing environment. (stefan Roos et al 2012)

Sadly it would seem that unless we as a nation respond NOW, it will be  a matter of only a few year for hedgehogs to be assigned to the history books.

In the 1950's a nationwide census of hedgehogs estimated the population to be 35 million individuals. In 1995 the population had dropped to 1.5 million!!!

In 2020 a survey carried out by the Mammal Society in conjunction with  the Peoples Trust for Endangered Animals and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society  published figures suggesting that just 500,000 hedgehogs now exist in the British Isles. They went on to say that an estimated 100,000 hogs are killed on the roads each year! (Wright,P etal 2020)

You do the maths!!

In 2022 a ew report revealed a loss of between 30 and 75% of hedgehogs. The biggest decline being in rural Eastern England.

The decline in hedgehogs flags up concerns about the environment that affects us all. Our natural environment is dying and we are to blame. I wear this fact like a heavy coat and now I am asking you, my friends and family and  complete strangers to help to save one small, helpful and harmless creature, and in doing so help the wider  environment.

I am not a pessimist by nature, nor do I want to be a harbinger of doom but the figures speak for themselves, our only indigenous spiky mammal is on the brink.

Do we as an animal loving nation care enough to do something about their demise? We can endlessly wait for politicians to increase their protection status, we can lobby councils to stop spraying hedgerows and verges, we can ask big corporations to pour money into research and protection, ask building companies and landowners to be mindful of destruction and we can continually blame others for what is happening to them, but the bottom line is that we all (yes that is you and me) can do our bit and truly make a difference, but we have to act NOW!!!

There are some great initiatives, some of which can be viewed at  https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/  but the truth is that a population such as ours which stands at a staggering 66,435,600 (Office for national Statistics) can make a difference, person by person, household by household, village by village........

A little hedgehog history:-

The hedgehog has a chequered history, and it is really a marvel that it has survived at all. Many were eaten by the ancient Britons, and certain parts of the animal were considered to be excellent cures for various ailments  resulting in them being widely hunted. The Bard himself, William Shakespeare spoke of them as wicked spirits and vermin and soon the whole world began to despise them.

Even the Church offered rewards for hedgehogs killed in churchyards and right up until in the last century some counties in England were still paying out for the corpses. 
Thank goodness then for  Beatrix Potter who introduced a whole generation of us to the delightful Mrs Tiggy-Winkle . She is considered extremely important for bringing the 

hedgehog back into favour. 

(frwikiversity.org)

Sadly the hedgehog was then accused of egg stealing  and gamekeepers seized the opportunity to clear more from their estates . As recently as 1976  a scientific research programme established that in one estate in East Anglia, 260 hedgehogs a year were routinely slaughtered.

The point is, they have a real, long and meaningful  history. It would seem to me that our only indigenous spiky mammal, which we know for certain  were firmly established in Britain by the middle Pleistocene period about 2 million years ago (Stocker, L 1987) have earned their place on our shores. 

Alas, in my lifetime we have reduced them to the edge of existence.

I am one of a small army of people who run hedgehog rescues, under the supervision of a veterinarian,  and  having accumulated a huge amount of knowledge and experience I can  honestly say that almost all the injuries and illnesses that hedgehogs bring through my doors are due to human interference at some level.

How sad is that?

The major source of their trouble is the huge reduction in habitat, hedgerows, shrubs, wild undisturbed areas where they can live and thrive. Importantly the need for people to erect solid barriers around their properties has had a huge and negative impact as hedgehogs cannot travel to forage without crossing roads. This lack of connectivity between green spaces is tantamount to hedghogicide .   

There are though many other reasons for their demise including  ....

• Strimmers and garden machinery cause horrendous injuries each and every year

• Domestic dogs are a real threat.

• Garden ponds (with no means of exit)

• Football and garden nets.

• Slug pellets, rodent poisons and traps.

• Disturbance

• Paving, patios,decking and artificial grass.

• Deliberate acts of cruelty

I could go on but I am sure you get the picture. WE are the problem. WE are killing the nations hedgehogs.

If we all made a hole in our garden fences (13cm x 13cm )  or removed one brick space we could as a nation create the largest wildlife reserve in the country. How wonderful and how easy! https://shop.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/product/hedgehog-highway-sign/

Lack of suitable foodstuffs is another huge area of concerns  for hedgehogs. Insect numbers have fallen some 40% in recent years (insect numbers have halved as the population doubled...spot the correlation?) and hedgehogs are now forced to eat large numbers of the very things that carry the parasites that kill them (slugs and snails). Overwhelming parasitic burden is a very common diagnosis in rescues up and down the country.

..

I am really sorry if you, like me, are one of the people working  hard to restore some habitat, I know that there are many of you trying really hard to help these curious and shy creatures. I see growing numbers come into the rescue which may be as a direct result of increased awareness, or intensifying threats to their well-being. Hedgehogs have certainly had a great amount of press in recent months but I am tired of the semantics and platitudes, we need action.  I  would like to see less and less come into the rescue because they are doing well out there just being hedgehogs.

So please can I ask all of you reading this to do  three simple things to help Britain's hedgehogs...

1. Make that hedgehog highway passable. Just check that there is a small hole somewhere in your garden fence/wall/gate that hedgehogs can enter and exit by, ideally straight into a neighbours garden.
2. Plant some wild flowers. Not only do they look beautiful but they bring in much needed insects. Just a tub would be a start.
3. Leave a shallow bowl of water out for our prickly friends. A plant pot holder is ideal.

There are lots of other things you can do and I (and fellow rescuers)  and the BHPS (British Hedgehog Preservation Society) are always happy to give out further information and  talk to groups. However by responding to these three, simple things you will make a huge difference.

(alexclarkart.co.uk)

I certainly hope that these characterful creatures will not be assigned to the history looks but sadly current research indicates that it is a very likely scenario. The fate of the hedgehog (and thus our environment) is in our hands. and with Spring around the corner I would urge you to resist the temptation to use weed killers in your garden and give the hedgehog a chance to clear your space of those pesky plant eating insects.  You will be helping the health of the whole environment for future generations. 

Please pass this article on. The more people that read it, the greater the potential impact. Lets keep them out of the history books.

Ref: 

Wright PGR, Coomber FG, Bellamy CC, Perkins SE, Mathews F. 2020. Predicting hedgehog mortality risks on British roads using habitat suitability modelling. PeerJ 7:e8154 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.8154

Wilson E, and  Wembridge D , (2018) The State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2018 PTES/BHPS funded research.

Roos S,  Johnston A & Noble D, (2012)  UK Hedgehog Datasets and their Potential for Long-Term Monitoring  British Trust for Ornithology

Stocker L, (1987) The Complete Hedgehog.

The mammal society (April 2019) Mammal Society Appeal – Are we Driving Hedgehogs to Extinction?

University College, London. (July 2014) Invertebrate numbers nearly halve as human population doubles Science.

Acknowledgement: Thank you to Hazel Arnold for the use of her photograph.

Gill Dixon , until recently ran a busy and successful hedgehog rescue. She now devotes her time to raising awareness. 

https://www.facebook.com/pricklingtonpalace

 GILLS HOG BLOG.

by Gill Dixon,PGCE,MA,BHScHons,RGN.

More hoglets on the way.

Hedgehogs breed between May and September but the time of greatest breeding activity is in May and June. They reach sexual maturity in their second year.

Rather strangely and possibly unwisely  they attempt a second litter around September and these are less likely to do well as they have to put on an enormous amount of weight to survive the winter. Mothers too may feel compelled to hibernate if temperatures drop sharply and/or food supplies are scarce, and this will leave a number of abandoned hoglets who may need help.

Hedgehogs under 450g are unlikely to survive hibernation, but they may not hibernate at all and this is where humans can assist in their survival.

In recent years I have had hedgehogs visiting my feeding stations throughout the year , suggesting that they do not ALL hibernate perhaps because our winters have become very much milder., or perhaps because I am lucky enough to live where there is lots of natural shelter and food on tap.

Be Mindful.....

Now is the time to be very cautious if you are moving leaf piles, thinking of having a bonfire, clearing hedges, or considering your final garden tidy and getting those strimmers out.

When threatened hedgehogs do not have a fight or flight response, they simply  form an impenetrable ball, but this is no match for a garden strimmer or brush cutter. Please then, start your strimming at a height of six inches, or walk through the area to be strimmed before you start.

Hedgehog nests that are disturbed rarely fair well. The mother hedgehog may abandon or kill her babies when she fears predation of her young. It is not a matter of simply relocating the family.

If you see a hedgehog out in daylight it is generally in trouble but one exception to this is a nursing Mum who may venture out to get a little extra food or gather some bedding. She will be moving with purpose and does not need to be caught.

floofmania.com

Any other hog out in the day, needs the assistance of a rescue. A faecal example will need to be examined under a microscope so please don't think you can easily rescue them yourself.

In October/November people begin to worry about hoglets who may not make a weight that will allow them to hibernate successfully (over 450g). Here at the Palace I receive hedgehogs that have been gathered up at night because the finder, with all good intentions, believes they will perish if not overwintered in a rescue. Whilst this may well be the right decision, PLEASE do not rush to take this course of action. It may be that it can be successfully supported where it is, in the wild where it belongs.. Hedgehogs are very easy to interfere with and interfere we do. If a hedgehog is out at night and you feel it is too small (smaller than a mango) and the weather is mild, please offer food, water and shelter (with warm bedding) and give the hedgehog a chance to gain weight whilst remaining wild. Weight gain can be rapid if plenty of food is made available.

Living the whole of winter in a small wooden hutch or plastic box must be pretty miserable for a wild, nomadic animal and so if we can support them to thrive whilst remaining wild that should be out first course of action.

Of course if they are out in the day or appear to be struggling it is right to intervene. If it is after dusk it should be done when all factors are taken into consideration

• Are they safe where they are?
• Can I offer shelter, food and water?
• Can I monitor them?
• Is the weather reasonably mild?
• Are they alone or with a mother?

I am simply asking that when we intervene we do so with consideration for what is in the best interest of the animal. It can be a difficult decision and if you are not sure you must  of course err on the side of caution.  An animal that is hard wired to be wild should not, in my opinion be kept in a small container for months on end unless it is really necessary. If you are not sure please call a rescue who will be happy to advise. 

Please though remember that rescues only have a finite number of spaces and we would always rather they were full of animals needing treatment, not just feeding up.

A list of available rescues can be found here www.yorkshirehedgehogs.co.uk

NB You can support your local hedgehog population by offering kitten biscuits and (very importantly) a shallow bowl of fresh water. 

Gill, has until very recently run a busy and successful hedgehog rescue. She now devotes her time to raising awareness, offering advice, and writing articles about our beloved European Hedgehogs.

 Rumi the wonderhog.

Some of you may remember a certain hedgehog called Rumi who was admitted to Pricklington Palace last summer (2020).

She really was in a pitiful state and every treatment I administered I thought would be the last. But Rumi somehow coped with it all and with lots of TLC, syringe feeding and a determination by both of us, she came through.

I guessed she was an elderly lady and despite her recovery  felt she remained vulnerable and a little frail  and considered that she may be better living out her dotage somewhere kind and protected with food and water on tap.

I put out a plea and a lovely couple (Darren and Jacky) came forward and offered her the perfect garden in Market Weighton. Not too big, but not small, areas of interest and a secluded spot which was set up as her home.

Rumi settled well but then I received the following photograph from Darren

Her troublesome ringworm had returned. Darren was determined to stress her as little as possible and chose to treat it at home and she did beautifully under his care and the ringworm cleared.

She carried on eating and drinking huge amounts and gained a tremendous amount of weight, coped with winter and emerged in Spring 

Quite recently I received the following message from Darren....

' I need some advice on Rumi.

Firstly her ring worm has cleared up from regular spraying by us.
She is doing really well and is always active on a night. Our neighbours have a hedgehog and what we have noticed is Rumi is digging big holes to try and get through to our neighbours.
Do we let her dig the hole big enough and let her go or do we stop her?
We have been filling the holes back in but she is determined!

What do you think?

I was so pleased he asked because it seemed that Rumi felt the time had come to venture further afield and as it was safe for her to do so where she was, Darren decided to give her access to the wider world.

A few days later I received the following message

Update on Rumi.
Firstly we checked her weight. 1.47kg!
We removed the blocks from under the gate so she could go out. It's taken a week or so. She doesn't use her house anymore but does come back for food once or twice a night.

She has gone back totally wild again.. Well apart from the food.

Rumi had returned to the wild!!!

Today i received the following message

.Another update on Rumi...

So we allowed her out of the garden and after a few nights she disappeared but eventually came back and has stayed ever since... The thing is she also brought a friend back with her!
So we now have two hedgehogs

With the message was a video of a very fat and well looking Rumi seemingly very comfortable with another hedgehog. Copy and paste to view...

https://video.fman2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t42.3356-2/210878135_3636263969807638_6789782163880398705_n.mp4/video-1625247644.mp4?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=060d78&_nc_ohc=hW3DctB5igcAX_W4aTL&vabr=126540&_nc_ht=video.fman2-1.fna&oh=19288c241b1d4bd12b80932074df96ff&oe=60E0763A&dl=1

Could this be a case of Spine Dates????? Watch this space.........

What a wonderful outcome for a beleaguered hedgehog who was determined to survive

Thankyou to Darren and Jacky and I really hope she rewards you with some young .