The Scottish Natural Heritage justify it’s culling policy by claiming moving wild hedgehogs to the mainland is inhumane, yet there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Additionally in response to the decision to unnecessarily cull the hedgehogs a volunteer-lead rescue project named “Uist Hedgehog Rescue” was created and has successfully saved, relocated to the mainland and released over 400 hedgehogs in the last two years. Reports have even been received of ex-Uist hedgehogs being seen with young the following year.

We, the undersigned, request that the Uist Waders Project comprising the Scottish Executive, Scottish National Heritage and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds cease their annual cull of hedgehogs on North and South Uist and Benbecula. The cull is cruel and unnecessary as the hedgehogs can be safely relocated.