Hedgehogs will benefit from 'highways' and other measures designed to help them on a new Norfolk estate.

Jemma Trebilco, from Dereham, has praised the housing developer, Orbit Homes, after it agreed to install hedgehog-friendly fences at its Mill View development after a request for them.

Orbit is building 279 homes on Greenfields Road, opposite Dereham Windmill.

The developer has said it would put in CD-sized holes in fences to form what are known as 'hedgehog highways' so the spiny mammals could move easily between gardens.

There are also plans to put in two log piles underneath hedgerows to give hedgehogs - along with reptiles and amphibians - day nests and places to hibernate. Thirteen bat tubes and 35 bird boxes will also be installed for those animals to nest.

Dereham Times: Jemma Trebilco, from DerehamJemma Trebilco, from Dereham (Image: Jemma Trebilco)

Before asking for the animal-friendly measures, Mrs Trebilco said she expected some pushback from Orbit, but said she was delighted at the company's quick offer to help.

“Orbit initially responded to say that hedgehogs had not been identified as an issue on the site,” she said.

“However, after brief further discussions, Orbit responded to say that they are now looking to include a number of hedgehog cut-outs across the scheme, meaning that the hedgehogs of the area will now have a much better chance of surviving and breeding in the area. 

“I was expecting a battle and excuses, so was delighted to hear this. Orbit should be praised for their quick response and for doing the right thing.”

Plans for the development - which will include a mix of two, three, four, and five bedrooms homes - were submitted in 2016.

A spokesperson from Orbit Homes said: “We can confirm that Orbit Homes is going to be incorporating hedgehog-friendly fencing at our Mill View development in Dereham and are currently identifying the best locations across the scheme for these hedgehog highways to be installed.”

Orbit said it was also undertaking nearly a mile of improvement works to the footpath along the public right of way behind the site.

Dereham Times: Jemma Trebilco taking photos of Hedgehoges in her gardenJemma Trebilco taking photos of Hedgehoges in her garden (Image: Jemma Trebilco)