Last week the Echo reported the heartbreaking story of at least four or five adult hedgehogs killed due to grass cutting at Hazelbury Bryan.

Since then, two hoglets from the same site have been taken to a local carer, their eyes only just opened and weighing 81 and 91 grams.

The hoglets are responding to outstanding care and may survive, thanks to the young couple who found them and the carer’s commitment and dedication.

But there will be other hoglets that were not found; the real total of the number of hogs killed in this single, horrible incident will be much higher - and this situation is being replicated daily all over Dorset and all over the UK as contractors pitch in to cut grass without first checking for wildlife.

Imminent plans to trim Dorchester’s verges will result in appalling carnage unless the sites are checked before work begins.

Modern agricultural practices have virtually eliminated hogs from the countryside; towns such as Dorchester offer a final refuge.

Records of local hog activity compiled over the last six years demonstrate the importance of Dorchester’s green spaces, mature gardens and verges to hog survival. The records are compiled from information from local vets, hog carers, the public and members of Hedgehog Friendly Dorchester, and are passed to Dorset Environmental Records Centre (DERC).

It is clear that despite all the odds Dorchester has a residual population of hogs, with particular hot spots in some areas.

Any relatively undisturbed green space is vital to their survival and that of other wildlife - and should be checked before work begins, whether in a private garden or public space.

Anyone operating grass cutting machinery, be it a strimmer or more powerful tractor machinery is operating a lethal killing device as has been demonstrated all too brutally in Dorchester’s private and public spaces, with carers left to pick up the pieces.

LINDA POULSEN

Hedgehog Friendly Dorchester