The Hedgehog Highway & Wildlife Corridor

“As part of our conservation vision, we aim to:
                        secure a better future for wildlife” 

https://www.york.gov.uk/open-spaces/nature-conservation

UK hedgehog numbers have fallen from approximately 30 million in the 1950s to around 1 million today. The decline has slowed, but still continues.
Hedgehog Highway: Clifton Ings, Former Clifton Hospital Site, Malton Way, Clifton Without Junior School hedge, Fairway gardens/Vale of York Academy hedge, Lilbourne Drive, Bur Dyke, Clifton Backies. A chain is as strong as its weakest link.
Prroportion of sites in PTES’ Living with Mammals survey that detected hedgehogs. State of Britain’s Hedgehogs, 2018. People’s Trust for Endangered Species

The consultation process

“We must continue being a listening council too, involving residents and communities in everything we do.”

https://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/file/2132/council-plan-2019-to-2023

Please note how the parcel of land proposed for housing evolves through this consultation process – i.e. it doesn’t

 

 

Phase 1 consultation, Summer 2021

 

 

 

Phase 2 consultation, November 2021

 

 

 

Executive Agenda Pack, January 2022

 

 

There has to be a better way


Here is just one idea that local residents have discussed. I mocked it up with paper, pens, scissors, and glue on Wednesday afternoon. Note how the car park could be shaded on hot summer days, the existing (protected) trees could contribute to the sensory garden and wildlife habitat areas, and the housing site is easier to develop because only 1 protected tree is within that site boundary.

York is proud of its place in the history of social housing. Let’s co-design and co-create a better solution demonstrating best practice for the 21st Century.