Britain's first dedicated hedgehog conservation area is launched today in an attempt to slow the species’ dramatic decline. The number of hedgehogs in the country are estimated to have dropped 40 per cent in the last two decades. Conservationists have created a ‘hedgehog improvement area’ which opens today in Solihull, the West Midlands. Scroll down for video . Britain's first dedicated hedgehog conservation area is launched today in attempt to slow the species’ dramatic decline (file picture) The Warwickshire Wildlife Trust project includes a 220-acre haven for the prickly mammals. A group of volunteers will manage the green space, helping to establish a central sanctuary from which it is hoped the hedgehog population will be able to disperse and inhabit the surrounding countryside. But Simon Thompson, hedgehog officer for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, said people across the country can do far more to help by taking simple measures in their own back gardens. Part of the reason that hedgehogs have decline so far is thought to be linked to the widespread loss of bushes and hedges, which have been replaced in many back gardens by hard wooden or metal fences. Hard barriers make it impossible for hedgehogs to move from place to place - if they are isolated in smaller and smaller areas of greenery, they cannot feed or mate. Mr Thompson said: ‘Something as basic as linking up a series of small isolated green patches with a hole no bigger than the size of a CD is a remarkably powerful and positive action for hedgehog conservation. The number of hedgehogs in the country are estimated to have dropped 40 per cent in the last two decades (file picture) ‘Making these connections between our own fenced-in islands of green spaces creates a continuous habitat corridor through which hedgehogs can forage, seek shelter and even rendezvous with potential mates.’ Fay Vass, chief executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, which is backing the project, said: ‘We are delighted to be funding such an exciting and important project in Warwickshire that will hopefully benefit many hedgehogs. ‘Simple measures such as ensuring there is a five inch square gap in boundary walls and fences make a massive difference to local hedgehog populations. ‘There are many ways people can assist this declining species and we hope this project will complement our work to highlight the plight of the hedgehog.’
Britain's first dedicated hedgehog conservation area launches today . Hopes reserve will help slow the species' dramatic decline in last 20 years . Warwickshire Wildlife Trust project includes 220-acre haven for hedgehogs . Prickly mammals' decline said to be linked to loss of bushes and hedges .