Latest news with #SharonJacobs
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Campaign launched to save hedgehogs as population declines by 75% in 20 years
A campaign has been launched to help save Britain's hedgehogs. 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 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: 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.
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kellie Pickler slammed as 'callous' by in-laws amid legal battle after husband's death
Kellie Pickler continues to have a contentious relationship with parents-in-law Sharon and Reed Jacobs two years after her husband Kyle Jacobs' death. The trio have been embroiled in a battle over the late singer's property ever since he died by suicide at age 49 in February 2023. 'It is difficult to know how to respond once again to the latest vitriol in [Kellie's court filing],' the couple's attorney wrote in a court filing on Monday, May 12, per documents reviewed by Us Weekly. In the wake of Kyle's death his parents were made administrators of his estate after Pickler declined the role. The lawyer claimed the 38-year-old widow has made it a challenge to get anything done since his passing. The Jacobs filed a petition in August 2024 asking the court to intervene as they tried to get Kyle's remaining property from Pickler, with the former American Idol contestant claiming there was a 'dispute' over the property in question. In the May 2025 filing, the Jacobs' attorney wrote, 'To suggest that his parents' actions here could be perceived as anything other than an effort to bring his sad chapter (the probate process) to a speedy close is shockingly callous and lacking in empathy.' Furthermore, the lawyer asked the court to acknowledge Pickler's 'continued invective in suggesting that [Reed and Sharon] would utilize the judicial process in such a way that serves only to prolong their suffering and anguish.' It was also stated, '[Kellie] has taken what should have been a simple matter and turned it into a highly personal crucible, painting herself as the tragic victim.' In March 2025 Kellie's in-laws issued a subpoena to Harpeth Memorial Gardens Funeral Home & Cremation Center in order to gain more information on his funeral and cremation. They also requested that the funeral home provide details regarding 'what items, if any, were cremated' with their late son as well as 'documents pertaining to the services provided on behalf of Kyle.' However, they claimed the company neither comply nor objected to the subpoena. The Jacobs family's conflict with Pickler started in May 2023 after she turned over inventory of Kyle's property but then allegedly stopped cooperating. 'Over the course of the ensuing twelve months, [Reed and Sharon] attempted informally to recover those items through discussions with [Kellie] and her counsel; those efforts, however, had limited success,' their lawyer explained in the latest documents. Sharon and Reed also said Pickler 'agreed to turn over several items but had not done so. In addition, as to at least some of the items, [Kellie] admitted having them but subsequently maintained she could not find them.' They later accused Pickler of forbidding them to enter the home she shared with their son prior to his death, noting that she let them in once after his death but subsequently kept them from coming on the premises. 'Instead, on two subsequent occasions, [Kellie] insisted she would have items of personal property moved to the home's garage, for subsequent pickup by [Reed and Sharon] under supervision arranged by [Kellie],' their attorney shared. 'On the first such occasion, [Kellie] forbade [Sharon] from being on the property.' Sharon and Reed said that Pickler provided additional items after the subpoena was issued, but added that they have since come to an 'impasse.' In May 2024 Pickler sold the marital home she and Kyle shared for $2.3 million. And she recently requested that Reed and Sharon be removed as administrators of Kyle's estate. Additionally, she asked to be named the sole heir and beneficiary of Kyle's estate by the court, although Sharon and Reed wish to remain administrators. The court has yet to rule on the case.
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Hedgehog numbers are falling: How to make a home for them in your garden
Hedgehogs in Britain have declined rapidly in the last 20 years, with some estimates suggesting numbers have dropped by 75 per cent. The spiky creatures' habitat is being decimated by new housing developments and the expansion of towns and cities. New figures reveal that a quarter of Britons have never seen a hedgehog in the wild, rising to 40 per cent of those aged between 18 to 34. In the 2,000-person poll by just over 60 per cent of Britons said they had noticed a decline in hedgehog numbers where they live. Sharon Jacobs, head vet nurse at free wildlife hospital Tiggywinkles, says 'habitat fragmentation, road deaths and the loss of insect-rich environments' had all contributed to the demise of the hedgehog across Britain.' The good news is that are things people can do to create a welcoming environment for hedgehogs in their own gardens, helping the species to thrive. Tiggywinkles has these five tips to take to encourage hedgehogs to your garden. 1. Create 'hedgehog highways' Hedgehogs roam up to 2kilometres per night in search of food, mates and nesting sites. Solid fencing can trap them in, or out, of a crucial habitat. To make life easier for hedgehogs, cut small holes 13cm by 13cm at the base of your fence or wall to allow hedgehogs to pass through. Co-ordinate with your neighbours to link gardens and create a network of safe corridors. Hedgehog highways are essential to supporting urban and suburban hedgehog populations, according to Tiggywinkles. 2. Don't use slug pellets or pesticides According to Tiggywinkles, the chemicals in many slug pellets and pesticides often kill hedgehogs, who will eat them or the poisoned slugs. Use alternative methods such as scattering rose twigs, nettles or crushed up egg shells around the plants you want to protect. Copper rings or tape will also detract slugs from eating garden plants. Avoid giving bread or milk, as hedgehogs are lactose intolerant Having some slugs in the garden is good for hedgehogs, as they provide natural food and nourishment for them. You can encourage natural pest control by letting birds and frogs do their job. A wildlife-friendly garden is not only safer for hedgehogs, but more ecologically balanced generally. 3. Provide nesting and hibernation sites Hedgehogs hibernate between November and March and they need safe, insulated spots to do this. You can buy a ready-made hedgehog house, or create your own from a pile of logs, leaves and a wooden box placed in a quiet, sheltered corner. Make sure it is waterproof and out of the wind. Avoid disturbing potential nesting sites in autumn and winter, as this can cause hedgehogs to abandon their nests. 4. Leave out food and water - but not milk You can supplement hedgehogs' natural diet by putting out a bowl of dog food or meaty cat food around dusk. Avoid giving bread or milk, as hedgehogs are lactose intolerant, and it can cause serious digestive problems. Providing fresh water in a shallow dish, especially during dry spells, is also helpful to thirsty hedgehogs. 5. Make ponds and garden hazards safe Hedgehogs can swim but may drown if they cannot climb out of steep-sided ponds or water features. Install a ramp or gently sloping edge, like a piece of wood or pile of rocks, to help them escape if they fall in. Drains can be a hazard for hedgehogs so covering them over by securing netting above ground level can also help. Gardeners should always take care to check compost heaps, bonfires, and garden machinery before use, as hedgehogs often hide in these areas. How to find a new mortgage Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible. Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C > Mortgage rates calculator > Find the right mortgage for you What if I need to remortgage? Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act. Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it. Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees. Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone. What if I am buying a home? Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be. Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people's borrowing ability and buying power. How to compare mortgage costs The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker. This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with fee-free expert mortgage advice. Interested in seeing today's best mortgage rates? Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you. Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.
Daily Record
02-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Gardeners urged to cut a hole in their fence now for very important reason
Hedgehog numbers are declining and they need our help, say experts Hedgehogs need our help - and making your garden hedgehog friendly is a big step in the right direction. The humble hedgehog has been often voted Britain's favourite wild animal, yet the charming critter has seen a drastic decline in population over the last 20 years. Gardeners are now being asked to cut a small hole in the bottom of their fences to help the spiky creatures. The so-called 'Hedgehog Highway' allows them to gain access to food and shelter and stay away from harm, say experts. To support those gardeners who want to turn their garden into a safe place for hedgehogs, skilled garden experts from MyBuilder have put together a guide of simple steps you can take in your garden to save the hedgehogs. Hedgehog numbers have declined by a staggering 75 per cent in the last 20 years, largely due to their habitat being destroyed by housing developments and the expansion of urban areas. MyBuilder data showed that sadly, a quarter of Brits have never seen a hedgehog in the wild - rising to 40 per cent of those aged 18-34 - yet 73 per cent of people in the UK would be interested in helping hedgehogs in their gardens. To help raise awareness of the issue, the week commencing May 4th has been designated as 'Hedgehog Awareness Week', with the aim of educating Brits on how serious the issue is, and how they can support these stalwarts of British wildlife. Gardens are vital to keeping hedgehogs safe and protected, and significant improvements can be made while balancing it with the reality of what is achievable in the majority of British gardens. From building a hedgehog house, to providing access between gardens, there are options for everyone. James Lewis, a gardening expert from said that anyone with an outside space can take steps to support hedgehogs. He 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.' Sharon Jacobs, a senior nurse from Tiggywinkle's, the world's busiest wildlife hospital and a specialist in hedgehogs, said gardens are a vital resource to help the animals. She 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.' Here's the expert guide on how to turn your garden into a hedgehog sanctuary at this time of year. Leave some areas wild Wild areas in your garden provide a natural food source and a place of nesting. Dedicate a small section of your garden and leave it to grow. Allowing dense plants, such as nettles, to grow will provide shelter for your hedgehogs throughout the months. You could even consider creating a 'meadow edge' of wildflowers, which looks attractive while serving an ecological purpose. Avoid using pesticides or slug pellets Slug pellets are really harmful to hedgehogs so avoid using them. Hedgehogs eat slugs, so even if they don't get to the pellets themselves, if they eat a slug that has, it can poison them. There are many natural ways to deter pests in your garden without causing any serious harm to welcome wildlife. 'Beer traps' (bowls of beer sunk in the ground) are a good way to keep out slugs, or sprinkle coffee grounds round the base of plants. Check your garden before mowing You might be about to embrace No Mow May - but if you are mowing your lawn, check any areas of long grass before going ahead. Hedgehogs love the long grass, and could easily be sleeping or hiding in there. Walk through your lawn and check for hedgehogs before mowing, and mow slowly, giving hedgehogs a chance to hear the mower and flee in good time. Build a hedgehog home Hedgehog houses have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they are quick and easy to make. If you want to create a bespoke version, all you will need is a few bits of timber, a hammer, and some nails. The entrance to the home should be around 13cm x 13cm, with a total space of 25cm high and 35cm x 35cm inside. Never paint the inside of your hedgehog house, and avoid putting food inside it. Cover drains Uncovered drains can be a hazard for hedgehogs. They can easily fall in but they will struggle to get out without assistance - it's important to keep your drains covered if possible. Cover them using a specific 'manhole cover' used for drains, or using a water-filled bag on a more temporary basis. Leave constant access To make your garden hedgehog-friendly, it's useful to make sure they can get in and out of your garden in the first place - hedgehogs are nocturnal and roam around 1-2km every night, so they will appreciate having a wide range of outdoor areas they can explore. To ensure this level of space for hedgehogs, cut out a 13cmx13cm hole at the bottom of your fence. Alternatively, you can dig a channel underneath your fence if you don't want to put a hole through it. Obviously, check with your neighbours before doing this. To really help wildlife, consider replacing a fence with a hedge to allow easy access and provide shelter. Consider losing a panel if you live in a new build If you live in a new-build home, there is a chance that your fence is not animal-friendly. New-build homes have had problems with fences being built too tight together, which can prevent hedgehogs from accessing your garden. To mitigate this issue, consider losing a panel or two at the side of your fence. For the full information on this campaign for Hedgehog Awareness Week, please visit .
