Market Drayton neighbours join forces for a hedgehog haven

Ten homes in Summerhill Gardens, Market Drayton, have been connected by the intricate work of one animal lover over the past eight years.

Richard Stapleton, 77, began taking hedgehogs from Cuan House, a wildlife rescue centre in Much Wenlock, when he retired eight years ago and he takes in ill hedgehogs throughout the season looking after up to 200 each year.

Mr Stapleton said: "When we first started they inspected the garden at our house and wouldn't let us have the hedgehogs until they connected with other gardens.

"It is just drainage piping from one garden to another so they have access. There are now 10 gardens connected and neighbours are quite happy to be involved. It has benefits for them in keeping the slugs down."

Mr Stapleton used to work as a herd manager and said he thinks the interest he has had in animals all his life influenced his latest venture.

He believes he has looked after about 80 hedgehogs in his garden and whilst the animals are in his care, they are well looked after.

"I built a home for them in my own design," he said.

"There is pipework that goes into the community area and two sleeping areas at either side."

Mr Stapleton feeds them things like worms, puppy mix and dog food.

He first looked into the scheme because he heard about the plight that hedgehogs face and how they are struggling to survive as hedges are cut back.

Once he has cared for the animals they are released across Market Drayton including Christ Church in Little Drayton, where Mr Stapleton is a church warden.

The church was named the best church yard in the Lichfield Diocese last year and Mr Stapleton said the release of the hedgehogs helped them get the upper hand in the competition.

And his passion for the garden creates has begun to spread. "There are four feed stations in Drayton now, in different people's gardens in places like Dalelands Poets corner and Grove Gardens," he said.