Winchester News Online
Bonfire’s affecting the population of Hedgehogs in the UK

With hedgehogs looking for a comfy, dry, warm, and secure home for their hibernation, they are at risk of ending up in a pile of sticks to be used for a bonfire. Many rescue centres find an increase in injuries or deaths of hedgehogs because of these bonfires.
To protect these species, the British Hedgehog Conservation Society have released a three-step process when individuals create bonfires.
Number 1 (Stop)– question if you need to have a bonfire? Are you able to attend a local bonfire celebration where specialists have considered the environment? With fewer bonfires created, there will be fewer wildlife casualties there will be.
Number 2 (Move)– Making sure to build it on the day that you plan to light the bonfire, as this will prevent any creatures from hiding amongst the sticks.
Number 3 (Check) -Before lighting the bonfire, make sure to check the pile for any wildlife by either shining a torch or gently lifting each section of the bonfire.
Whilst hedgehogs are impacted by bonfires, Imogen Buller -from BHPS- speaks about the other impacts on these species, including “increased pesticides and loss of habitat like hedgerows”. Buller also identifies that “habitat fragmentation is a really big problem for hedgehogs like roads, fences, and brick walls”.
Dawn O’Malley, the Senior Engagement Manager of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, urged people to attend “public displays instead of putting on our own events in gardens” as this can “reduce these impacts on wildlife and the environment”.
With Hedgehog Street’s report stating that over half of the population of hedgehogs is lost from our countryside and a third disappearing from our towns and cities, it is vital for this native species to be protected at all costs.
Anyone wishing to learn more about how to protect hedgehogs during Bonfire Night , then go on https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk to learn more information.
Winchester News Online
Police hunt man who threw chair and threatened shoppers
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Winchester News Online
Police officers injured during anti-migration rally
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
Winchester News Online
Residents warned over closure of recycling centre
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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