Dear All,
Well, this shows how ignorant I am - had expected to sail through recovery from hernia operation without much worry - but now, more than two weeks after, I have a small infection and rather a lot of lethargy. Thank you for all your good wishes - it really does mean a lot to know that you are out there carrying on the good fight!
I am doing my best - have done a Women's Institute talk (in my pyjamas) and even ended up on the stage of the King's Place theatre in London doing a 7 minute stand up routine alongside Robin Ince ... also in my pyjamas. Today - heading off to do some filming at Vale Wildlife Hospital - I have put on real trousers for the first time (I can't let the side down, I am a proud patron!). But my body is telling me to rest so will take a few days off after this bit is done. None of which would be possible without my wife stepping away from her work to act as my chauffeur - thanks Zoe.
The hedgehoggery I want to talk about today centres on the coming Hedgehog Awareness Week - and - the day before that week begins a very special birthday!
On April 30th the British Hedgehog Preservation Society will be 40 years old! And while it is always wonderful for the society to get support - one way you can celebrate is by granting hedgehogs their wishes! So this is a great time to commit to making your patch as hedgehog friendly as possible. You know the drill by now, but follow THIS link to get the top ten tips - and consider making sure a hedgehog can get into your garden, that hazards are removed, that you have a way of leaving out water, that you create a wild patch - as I say, I reckon most of you already know all of it!
One event I am taking part in for Hedgehog Awareness Week is a going to be particularly fun - on Tuesday 3rd May there is a free to book evening of hedgehog talks from Hedgehog Street, hedgehog researchers, champions gardeners - and from the amazing Jo Wilkinson who has set up Hedgehog Friendly Campus. It should be great - so grab your 'ticket' while you can.
The alert among you might have noticed that there is not a hedgehog picture this time!!! I just wanted to introduce you to my new friend - a robin who has trained me to bring him cheese! And it is an excuse to share with you this video from a couple of years ago in which I explain the technique for winning over such an amazing bird!
And finally - another plea - life as a hedgehogger (despite what the odd nut-job may think) is not filled with bounteous wealth - so if you wanted to have a deeper dive into the world of hedgehog obsession and in turn support me a little, I point you towards A Prickly Affair (forgive Amazon link, use local bookshop if you can).
I will post more about Hedgehog Awareness Week soon - in the meantime, grab a ticket to our online event, and maybe bake a hedgehog cake to celebrate BHPS birthday!