So it's sad to know that the numbers of hedgehogs are in decline. Why? It's hard to tell, although more intensive agriculture could be part of the problem, with larger fields and less hedgerows and undergrowth for the hedgehogs to find sufficient cover.
How can we help? If you see a hedgehog in spring/summertime and it seems healthy the best thing to do is leave it alone, we don't want to cause any unnecessary stress. However, if you come across a sick hedgehog, the most common sign of a sick hedgehog is if they are 'staggering' around during the day or the winter. This can be a sign of hypothermia. In this case the hedgehog is in desperate need of your help! Take them inside in a box, with a well wrapped hot water bottle underneath them, do not let the hot water bottle go cold! The next step of course is to call the British Hedgehog Preservation Society for further advice!
If you have a resident hedgehog who frequents your garden you can always leave some food out for them in the colder months when it is harder for them to find the worms and slugs that they normally munch on! A big no-no however is giving them milk - hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and this can cause dehydration, many pet stores now sell ready made tinned hedgehog food for convenience or you can make your own with recipes found on the internet!
Hedgehogs are being affected in many ways, and a study that was conducted 40 years ago by Pat Morris to see whether climate change is affecting the hibernation patterns of hedgehogs is now being repeated.
To find out more hedgehog facts or to take part in the study visit the website at
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