I am really sorry for the radio silence - but the summer holidays were a constant juggle of keeping family happy and making the most of the brief moments of sunshine ... though as I write I am hankering for the outside - this might be the last day of real sun for quite a while (I am heading to the river to swim soon!)

We have entered the season of mellow fruitfulness - which is great for us as we make the most of the harvest of apples and gages in the allotment. But it is a very vulnerable time for our prickly friends. Youngsters that have been born later on in the breeding season need to put on weight fast so as to be fat enough to survive hibernation. 

So how can we help?

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society is the place to go for reliable information - and this leaflet gives you a guide as to what we all need to do. Please read it. If you are worried about a hedgehog, phone them - Tel: 01584 890801. When they are out of the office there is an answerphone that will direct you to your nearest carer. 

If you know your local carer, see what help they need ... it could be as simple as some old newspapers (for helping keep the cages clean) or tins of pet food. 

I am a patron of two wildlife rescues - so it is only right and proper to flag them up here as really reliable places. Vale is near Tewkesbury and Shepreth near Cambridge. 

The season of talks is also upon us - and I have a few coming up that you can attend - one in person and three online (you might need to join a society to get access).

The 'in person' event is the rather wonderful Dorset Hedgehog Conference taking place in Dorchester on Saturday 18th September - I will be speaking as will the amazing Nigel Reeve, one of the most respected hedgehog ecologists in the world (no hyperbole there).

Online I am 'visiting' the Glasgow Natural History Society on 14th September, Cumbria Wildlife Trust on 5th October and the Buxton Field Club on 16th October.

Please do spread the word - these societies survive through the passion of people like you!

And finally (and I know that someone will complain) - I have a new book coming out on 12th October ... surprisingly NOT about hedgehogs - but I reckon I have earned an advert ... It has been great fun to return to Graffeg - and write about Beavers!! The connection to hedgehogs might not be obvious, but these amazing ecosystem engineers will be crucial in attempts to return some of our countryside to a wilder state - and they will also help prevent flash floods in suburban areas ... which will save the lives of hedgehogs!

And really finally - I got to do an event which included public engagement in Watlington and got to judge a Hedgehog Bake-off ... all cakes I assure you, and no one was harmed ... the photo was taken during the judging ... keep this idea in mind ... there will be some news soon ...