This main seem a little tangential - but bear with me.
Those of you who have read my book, The Beauty in the Beast, will know that I tried to tame a robin ... plot spoiler here - I failed. But ... after the book had been published I did succeed and had 18 months of delight, feeding the beautiful bird by hand.
During lockdown I have had time to try this again. As you can see by the photograph - I have done it! Quite the most wonderful experience.
So what is the link to hedgehogs? Well on the ecological level, both species occupy the same 'niche' - they are both specialists of the woodland edge. This habitat is most often seen these days in the form of a hedge (and we don't need reminding what the favourite hangout of a HEDGE-hog is, do we!) If we are helping one species, we are also helping the other (though to be honest, I doubt a robin has much need for a 13 cm hole cut in the bottom of a fence!)
From this campaign's perspective though - there is a great connection. Today I have an article I wrote published in the Daily Mail. Have a read - and there is a short video, where I teach you how to tame your own robin! And in the piece I mention our campaign. I had hoped to be able to get a direct link to the petition on the webpage but they are crafty and want to keep people on their site - but they have written in the link and already over 1,000 new people have signed the petition (and it is not even 0900 yet).
It is not impossible - if we get a good surge from the publicity - that we could hit 750,000 signatures today ... but that will need a little help. Because the best way to up the number is for us all to prod our friends and family - if just 4% of those who have signed get just one other person recruited, we make it to three quarters of a million!
Thank you again for all your support. The Facebook group is busier than ever with over 8,000 members - and that reminds me - I must write an update about water very soon ... and in the meantime - if you are still on lockdown and in need of distraction ... something to remind you, I write books ... and my diary of speaking events and literary festivals is empty, so if you wanted something to read ....