BORDON housebuilder David Wilson Homes has pledged to install hedgehog homes, or hogitats, at all its new homes in a bid to boost the area’s falling hedgehog population.

It has also launched a guide with advice on how households can encourage these spiky mammals to thrive in their gardens, such as creating a wild area so the creatures can nest and feed on insects.

In the past decade hedgehog numbers have declined by a third, according to David Wilson Homes, which says it is dedicated to supporting wildlife across the UK.

Michelle Storer, sales director at David Wilson Homes, which is building houses at Louisburg Barracks in Bordon, said: “Hedgehogs are so well loved by us Brits as a nation. It’s impossible to see one of the spiky creatures without raising a smile. We’re sad to see that numbers are falling so fast in the UK, which is why we’re doing our bit to support hedgehogs as much as we can. We hope our new guide will help others learn more about what they can do to make a better home environment for these much-loved animals.”

To help wildlife, visit dwh.co.uk or hedgehogstreet.org.