Campaign launched to save hedgehogs as population declines by 75% in 20 years
A campaign has been launched to help save Britain's hedgehogs.
MyBuilder.com, a platform for hiring tradespeople, is urging its community to assist in making gardens more hedgehog-friendly.
This comes as the hedgehog population has plummeted by 75 per cent over the last two decades, primarily due to habitat destruction from urban expansion and housing developments.
The initiative is part of a larger campaign to raise awareness of the issue across the UK.
James Lewis, a gardening expert from MyBuilder.com, said: "Even if you only have a small garden or driveway area, there are improvements you can make to support hedgehogs.
"A really important step to take is to make sure that the animals can access your garden from other areas, so cutting a small hole in the bottom of fencing or hedging can be really beneficial to them.
"Building a hedgehog house is also a great way to help provide shelter and protection - and can easily be done with a small amount of timber."
READ: Guided bird watching walk to take place at Brownsea Island
Gardening expert, James Lewis. (Image: MyBuilder) According to MyBuilder data, a quarter of Brits have never seen a hedgehog in the wild, a figure that rises to 40 per cent among those aged 18 to 34.
Yet, 73 per cent of people in the UK expressed interest in helping hedgehogs in their gardens.
The MyBuilder guide, created by professionals passionate about increasing the British hedgehog population, offers simple steps to turn gardens into hedgehog sanctuaries.
These include leaving some areas wild, avoiding pesticides or slug pellets, checking the garden before mowing, building a hedgehog home, covering drains and ensuring constant access.
See the full steps at: https://www.mybuilder.com/blog/help-for-hedgehogs
Sharon Jacobs, a senior nurse from Tiggywinkle's, the world's busiest wildlife hospital and a specialist in hedgehogs, said: "This guide provides great basic steps for British gardeners to take to really create an area that is supportive to the safety and health of hedgehogs.
"On top of this, we would urge gardeners to take care when mowing, strimming or hedgecutting.
"We see thousands of injuries from this sort of activity every year, and it can be easily avoided by checking the areas you are working on before starting."
For more information on the campaign and how to help during Hedgehog Awareness Week, visit the MyBuilder website.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
19 minutes ago
- Time Business News
Online News Spotlight: Global Vape Kit Policy Changes Shaping the Future of Vaping
The global landscape of vaping regulations is shifting rapidly as governments and health authorities respond to rising concerns over youth vaping, product safety, and public health implications. In recent months, online news platforms have been abuzz with updates about vape kit policy changes in various parts of the world. These updates are shaping consumer behavior, impacting manufacturers, and drawing strong reactions from advocacy groups and health officials alike. In this blog, we'll explore the major policy shifts making headlines across continents, the motivations behind these changes, and the broader implications for the vaping industry. In today's world, ensuring access to pure and safe drinking water is essential for health and well-being. Modern filtration technology has made it easier to remove contaminants and improve water quality effectively. Among the latest innovations, the hayati pro ultra 25000 stands out for its high efficiency and reliability. Designed to handle large volumes of water, it combines advanced filtration methods to eliminate impurities and harmful substances. This system not only provides clean water but also supports sustainable usage with durable components. Perfect for both residential and commercial settings, it represents a significant step forward in water purification technology. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized vape products. Following the ongoing scrutiny over flavored e-cigarettes and their role in youth vaping epidemics, the FDA has issued warning letters to several manufacturers and retailers. Recent online reports highlight that the agency is actively seeking to remove from the market all vape kits that haven't undergone its premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) process. In particular, the FDA is targeting disposables and fruit-flavored products that are appealing to minors. The heightened regulation has triggered widespread debate. Public health experts support the move, citing concerns over increasing teen nicotine addiction. On the other hand, adult users and harm reduction advocates argue that overregulation may inadvertently push people back to smoking traditional cigarettes. News outlets covering these stories emphasize the delicate balance regulators must strike between protecting youth and supporting smokers trying to quit through vaping. Across the Atlantic, the UK government is planning to introduce a new vape tax as part of its broader anti-smoking strategy. According to online reports from major British media outlets, the proposed legislation includes restrictions on vape flavors, packaging designs, and a new excise tax on vape liquids. The move has sparked a wave of public feedback and concern among vaping communities, particularly because the UK has traditionally been more vape-friendly compared to other nations. British health authorities have promoted vaping as a smoking cessation tool for years. However, rising rates of youth experimentation and illegal sales of high-nicotine devices have forced the government to reconsider its approach. Online news articles highlight how the proposed policies aim to reduce underage access while maintaining support for adult smokers. Still, critics warn that heavy-handed measures could erode public trust and damage one of the country's most successful harm reduction strategies. Australia continues to lead with one of the strictest vaping policies globally. As of recent updates, vape kits containing nicotine can only be accessed through a doctor's prescription. This policy has been in place for a while, but online news platforms report that enforcement has intensified in 2025. Border seizures of illegal vape imports have increased, and authorities are cracking down on retailers violating the rules. Online media coverage from Australian health officials points to youth protection and addiction prevention as the primary goals. However, public health advocates and medical professionals remain divided. Some argue that restricted access is crucial to curbing rising youth vaping rates, while others say it places unnecessary burdens on adults seeking safer alternatives to smoking. Online discussions often focus on how the black market is thriving under the current framework, undermining the policy's original intent. New Zealand's vaping policy has traditionally favored a balanced, harm-reduction approach. However, online news sources reveal that the government is now reviewing its regulatory stance in light of growing public health concerns. Changes being considered include limiting the types of vape flavors allowed, enforcing stricter advertising rules, and introducing tougher penalties for retailers who sell to minors. Health officials in New Zealand still support vaping as a tool to help people quit smoking, a position echoed by many online editorials and expert interviews. However, policymakers are now more cautious, especially given data suggesting a rise in youth vaping prevalence. The upcoming policy review is expected to incorporate insights from both public health research and community consultations. The European Union is witnessing a patchwork of vape regulations across its 27 member countries. Online news outlets are closely monitoring efforts by the European Commission to update the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which governs the sale and marketing of vape products. New proposals are expected to address nicotine limits, product labeling, cross-border sales, and environmental concerns related to disposable devices. EU-based news coverage indicates a strong push from health NGOs to introduce plain packaging and flavor bans, particularly for fruity and sweet vape kits. However, industry voices are cautioning against policies that might stifle innovation or limit access to potentially life-saving alternatives. The conversation online also includes growing concern about illicit trade and how uneven enforcement across member states can compromise regulatory goals. In Canada, several provinces have moved ahead with their own flavor bans, sparking nationwide discussion. Online news reports confirm that provinces like British Columbia and Nova Scotia have restricted or banned the sale of flavored vape products, citing their appeal to young users. Health Canada is also reportedly considering national regulations to align with these provincial measures. Online media commentary shows a growing divide between federal and provincial policies, with some stakeholders calling for a more unified approach. Youth vaping statistics have been central to the debate, and public reactions vary widely. Some applaud the bans as a necessary step, while others argue they could reduce smoking cessation success rates. The story continues to evolve as lawmakers seek a compromise that supports both public health and adult smokers. The vaping regulatory environment in Asia is highly diverse, as highlighted by various online news platforms. Countries like Japan and South Korea have adopted relatively permissive policies toward heat-not-burn tobacco products but remain cautious about nicotine vapes. Meanwhile, nations such as India and Thailand have implemented outright bans on e-cigarettes, citing public health risks and lack of long-term safety data. In China, the world's largest manufacturer of vape products, the government has introduced strict new rules governing product standards, marketing, and domestic sales. Online coverage reveals that these changes are intended to align the vape industry with traditional tobacco controls, a move that significantly affects global supply chains. The Asian market's varied regulatory stances continue to influence how international companies navigate compliance and innovation. Across the globe, the vaping industry is grappling with the implications of these policy shifts. Online news reports frequently cover how manufacturers are adjusting product lines, reformulating flavors, and investing in compliance infrastructure. Meanwhile, consumers are expressing frustration over reduced access to preferred products and confusion about new laws. Some online stories spotlight the rise of advocacy groups pushing back against restrictive measures, arguing for evidence-based policies that prioritize harm reduction. Others focus on the booming black market and how regulatory gaps are being exploited. For consumers, especially those using vaping as a smoking cessation aid, these changes can mean fewer choices and more uncertainty. As online news coverage illustrates, vape kit policy changes are unfolding rapidly across the world, reflecting broader societal tensions between innovation, public health, and personal freedom. Governments are increasingly walking a tightrope—balancing the need to protect youth while enabling smokers to access less harmful alternatives. Whether through outright bans, strict regulation, or supportive harm-reduction models, the direction of policy will continue to evolve in response to public opinion, emerging science, and industry developments. For vape users, manufacturers, and policymakers alike, staying informed through credible news sources is essential. The future of vaping remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the global regulatory landscape will continue to be a hotbed of debate, transformation, and innovation in the months and years ahead. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
HIMS Stock Falls Despite Latest Deal to Expand International Footprint
Hims & Hers Health, Inc. HIMS announced its agreement to acquire ZAVA, a digital health platform in Europe. The deal, which marks a significant step toward its global expansion, will likely expand HIMS' footprint in the U.K. and will officially launch the company into Germany, France and Ireland, with more markets anticipated soon. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2025, and the deal is expected to be accretive by 2026. Hims & Hers is also planning to introduce a new, personalized dimension of digital health in Europe. Through this, the company aims to provide individuals with access to care tailored to their specific needs and goals across dermatology, weight loss, sexual health and mental health. To ensure a localized experience, this expansion is also expected to include access to British, German and French healthcare providers in local languages. Hims & Hers expects to share more about the offerings and their rollout in the coming months. The latest acquisition and subsequent expansion in the European markets are expected to significantly solidify HIMS' international footprint. Following the announcement, shares of the company lost nearly 3.6% till yesterday's closing. Historically, the company has gained synergies from its various strategic buyouts. Although the latest deal is likely to be beneficial for HIMS' top-line growth going forward, the stock declined overall. Hims & Hers currently has a market capitalization of $12.25 billion. It has an earnings yield of 1.3%, favorable than the industry's negative yield. In the last reported quarter, HIMS delivered an earnings surprise of 66.7%. Hims & Hers aims to establish its own branded presence, leveraging the ZAVA platform in each of the European markets in the coming quarters and strengthening its digital health offerings on a global scale. It is worth mentioning that ZAVA, which currently serves more than 1.3 million active customers, has an in-house medical team that delivered nearly 2.3 million consultations in 2024 across the U.K., Germany, France and Ireland. Hims & Hers' management expects to leverage ZAVA's established European presence to transform access to care for people across Europe battling widespread, often silent chronic conditions like obesity and depression. Per a report by Grand View Research, the global digital health market was estimated at $288.55 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 22.2% between 2025 and 2030. Factors like the rising incidence of chronic conditions fueling the demand for remote monitoring and management solutions, and technological advancements are likely to drive the market. Given the market potential, the latest buyout is expected to be a significant milestone for Hims & Hers and boost its business globally. In February, Hims & Hers acquired a U.S.-based peptide facility based in California. The buyout will likely enable the company to strengthen the long-term durability of its domestic supply chain to meet the growing demand from Americans for personalized healthcare and treatment options. The same month, Hims & Hers acquired an at-home lab testing facility, Sigmund NJ LLC, which is marketed as Trybe Labs. The buyout will likely enable HIMS to support at-home blood draws and more comprehensive whole-body testing. The acquisition is also expected to broaden the company's ability to offer a wide range of personalized treatments, supplements and medications and accelerate the expansion into new clinical categories, including low testosterone, perimenopausal and menopausal support. Shares of the company have surged 154.1% in the past year compared with the industry's 33.8% rise and the S&P 500's gain of 11.4%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Currently, HIMS carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). A few other top-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are HealthEquity, Inc. HQY, Cencora, Inc. COR and Integer Holdings Corporation ITGR. HealthEquity, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 at present, has an estimated long-term growth rate of 20.3%. HQY's earnings surpassed estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, the average surprise being 12.4%. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. HealthEquity's shares have gained 34.9% against the industry's 21.7% decline in the past year. Cencora, carrying a Zacks Rank of 2 at present, has an estimated long-term growth rate of 12.8%. COR's earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 6%. Cencora has rallied 25.3% against the industry's 21.7% decline in the past year. Integer Holdings, sporting a Zacks Rank of 1 at present, has an estimated long-term growth rate of 18.4%. ITGR's earnings surpassed estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, the average surprise being 2.8%. Integer Holdings' shares have lost 0.7% compared with the industry's 13.2% plunge in the past year. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Cencora, Inc. (COR) : Free Stock Analysis Report HealthEquity, Inc. (HQY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Integer Holdings Corporation (ITGR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (HIMS) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Artwork referencing JK Rowling taken down by National Trust after being 'tampered with'
The National Trust says it has taken down a piece of art featuring JK Rowling's name after it was "tampered with by a member of the public". It has urged people "not to damage or tamper with artworks" once they are finished and on public display. Between April and November last year, visitors to Derbyshire's Hardwick Hall were invited to nominate a "contemporary Virtuous Woman", whose name was then sewn into the fabric, before it was put on public show in February. Until recently, the artwork, A Virtuous Woman, has continued to be on display, featuring the Harry Potter author's name, which was "stitched over by other participants" at an unspecified time. Feminist campaigner Jean Hatchet said on X last week that she had "corrected" the work by unpicking the stitching which was over Rowling's name. It comes after criticism of Rowling's views on gender issues that have seen her called transphobic by activists, which she has denied. The National Trust said the piece has been "taken off display… to protect it from further tampering or damage". Ms Hatchet has criticised the organisation's move, saying she removed the "stitching with the correct tool", took "great time and care", and did not damage it. She told Sky News: "Everyone involved in managing this project behaved in a cowardly fashion after a vindictive individual performed an act of woman-hating. It should have been removed immediately. Because they wouldn't, we did." The stitched names of British queens, artist Yoko Ono, ex-prime minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher, climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, and singer Taylor Swift among others appear not to have stitching over them on the recycled textile. The work comes from artist Layla Khoo in association with the University of Leeds and the National Trust. A spokeswoman for the trust said: "The artwork was open to contributions for eight months and closed in November when the piece was finished and put on public display. "During the participation phase, JK Rowling's name was stitched on to the piece seven times and in two instances it was stitched over by other participants. "At the time the artwork was completed and subsequently hung, JK Rowling's name appeared five times without any overstitching. "We ask people not to damage or tamper with artworks once they are finished and on public display. "The piece has been taken off display for investigation and to protect it from further tampering or damage. We take all claims and incidents of damage to items in our care seriously and investigate each one."
