A COMMUNITY in Birchwood has been left reeling after a mindless act of vandalism has befallen the area's wildlife.

Residents have reported that a hedgehog house in the area has had its entrance blocked up.

The entrance was obstructed after someone had mindlessly stuck an empty beer bottle in the space.

Warrington Guardian: The entrance to the hedgehog house was completely blockedThe entrance to the hedgehog house was completely blocked (Image: Karren Officer)

Posting on social media in a residents' group, Karren Officer said: "This is the hedgehog house at the duck pond, blocked up with a bottle of Budweiser.

"To whoever's responsible 'SHAME ON YOU' - you really are a disgusting human being."

More residents leapt to the defence of the area's hedgehogs, with one commenting: "Shocking, I have four hogs come in my garden; food and water every night for them.

"Some people are evil."

Another added: "They don't care about their environment, think it's clever to trash everything."

One simply commented: "Lowlives."

Warrington Guardian: The RSPB gives advice on how to construct and monitor hedgehog housesThe RSPB gives advice on how to construct and monitor hedgehog houses (Image: RSPB)

The RSPB says: "Build a cosy hedgehog home to encourage them to rest, hibernate and raise their hoglets in your garden.

"In the 1950s, there were an estimated 30 million hedgehogs in the UK. Recent estimates suggest there are less than a million left.

"By building a hedgehog home you can provide somewhere safe for shelter, hibernation and raising hoglets.

"You can make your hedgehog home at any time of year, but it will most likely be occupied in Autumn when they are looking for a hibernation spot.

"Once your hedgehog home is in place, it might take a little while to become occupied.

"And remember that you won't see any activity between October and March or April, when they’re hibernating."