Dear Hedgehog-lovers of the world - very soon the nights start getting shorter - I always get excited as we pivot back towards the light.
Hopefully all our hedgehogs are safely tucked up in their hibernacula ... though my social media feeds (@hedgehoghugh) suggest that some have still to get the message (or enough weight).
The news has been carrying stories of rescues being inundated with hedgehogs too small to survive - the amazing work that these carers do cannot be underestimated. If you know of any, see what you can offer them - old newspapers, pet food, money, time ... and if you don't know your local, check in with the BHPS and find out. You can call them any time (01584 890801) and be put through to an answerphone with a list of regional hubs.
Not just a turning point of the year, but also in politics. So come the new year I will be actively back at this - I will make approaches to whoever is the new incumbent and see about getting some teeth into the guidance that was announced in July. If I succeed ... well ... you might end up hearing a lot less from me ... unless that is you want me to keep in touch with hedgehog news!
Now - the homework for you! Here is a short survey - PLEASE, if you have time and a garden, take a few minutes to fill it in. The more we learn about the gardens that are successfully helping hedgehogs the more precise our advice can be ... and this is especially important when it comes to persuading councils and developers to work in our prickly friend's favour.
And THANK YOU - not just for the support you have given this petition - but for those of you who followed the links for my books last time - there was a 'spike' in sales!!! In fact, there is still time to get copies in for Christmas ... so I will be shameless ... again: