Each and every one of you is quite simply 'one in a million' - or at least you were 1935 last night as the petition reached that amazing milestone. And it is still growing. So THANK YOU - one and all for signing, sharing and supporting this 'shout above the noise'.
How about a holiday? How about a break from the campaigning? You might think that we could take a rest ... but I am sorry to say that is absolutely NOT the case!
Today there is a long sought debate in parliament thanks to the amazing work of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and their petition. We have been trying to get hedgehogs extra protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. If successful the change in planning law I am pushing with our petition will be less needed - as they will be covered by stricter legislation.
While the debate may be going on today - it is still a good idea to let your representatives know how you feel about hedgehogs and their need for help. The BHPS has some suggested wording for a letter HERE. And you can find the email and postal address for your MPs, HERE,
And the reason we need to keep the pressure on is simple - and deadly serious. At this very moment the JNCC (Joint Nature Conservation Committee) is undertaking the Quinquennial Review of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (that might sound like a Harry Potter spell, but is purely referring to it being a 5-yearly review.)
We have discovered that the JNCC has changed the 'eligibility criteria' for species to receive protection - that only those in imminent danger of extinction will be protected. The UK Red Listing will not count - it is only the international situation that will be considered. This means that should the JNCC changes be allowed, the hedgehog will not - and probably never will - be in receipt of the level of protection it needs here in the UK.
So please - gently and politely - keep the pressure on your MPs - let them know how important hedgehogs are to you and your family - and to all of us! We need to see them getting MORE protection - not less.
And finally - It has been a long time since I have used this platform to advertise - but I think this is a special enough occasion to justify me trying to persuade some of you to take a look at the books I write! I do not have a 'job' - I am freelance and most of my public speaking and photography work has, understandably, vanished ... so as you can imagine, a few books sold does make a difference. If you can find them in your local bookshop, please do use it - but for convenience I give links to the tax-dodgers ....
The Hedgehog Book - lots of photos, natural history and social history.
Linescapes - a detailed look at the fragmentation of the landscape.
The Beauty in the Beast - me meeting 15 people a bit like me - not as worrying as it sounds!
A Prickly Affair - my first book, now with a 'prickly epilogue'!
If you would like a signed book plate - get in touch with me, send me a stamped/addressed envelope and I will happily oblige.
Unfortunately my book on the iconography of hedgehogs is currently out of print.
And really finally - the photo is taken under the supervision of the hedgehog rehabilitator, in the evening just before this rescued hog was released into the wild.