I don’t know about you but I have been feeling a rather unpleasant combination of despair and anger … the last few days has been full of news that seems designed to make the heart sink of anyone who cares about the natural world.

Sometime I get criticised for drifting off hedgehogs a bit on these updates, but this time, while it might seem a bit of a diversion, please do bear with me …

The purpose of this petition is to try and get a change in legislation that will bring about better protection for hedgehogs - in the first instance by demanding that all new housing developments come hedgehog highways put in place. Despite the government we have managed some amazing results - some of you have directly caused developers to install highways just by polite and persistent pressure. 

The only reason we have this fight is because the level of protection the hedgehog receives is not high enough. If we had succeeded in getting the hedgehog shifted up the Wildlife and Countryside Act schedules of protection. 

So - what has been happening? Well the mini-budget saw a staggering overthrow of Conservative manifesto pledges by this new, unrepresentative, government. And while most of the news has been about the tax handouts to the rich, there was something else at play too … and it is really nasty. They plan to destroy the limited protection that much of our nature already receives. I was immediately angry.

But I was amazed at the reaction the government’s action has created - the first out of the blocks was the usually very conservative RSPB - and I have NEVER seen them this angry. Here is some of what they said:

“Make no mistake, we are angry. This Government has today launched an attack on nature. We don’t use the words that follow lightly. We are entering uncharted territory.
“As of today, from Cornwall to Cumbria, Norfolk to Nottingham wildlife is facing one of the greatest threats it’s faced in decades.
“What the Government has proposed in today’s mini-budget on top of yesterday’s announcements potentially tears up the most fundamental legal protections our remaining wildlife has. 
“If they carry out their plans nowhere will be safe.
“And it doesn’t stop there – the new Retained EU Laws Bill could see the end of basic protections known as the Habitat Regulations. Laws that protect our birds and animals, everywhere from forests to our coasts.
“Where you live, the wildlife and places you love, from the shires to the cities – all under threat from bulldozers, from concrete.
“And the real tragedy is this: the utter lack of understanding by ministers that healthy nature underpins a healthy society and a healthy economy.
“We cannot let this happen. And now more than ever nature needs your help. We need to make it abundantly clear that we will not stand for this.
“But right now, we have one simple ask: tell your MP how you feel. Impress on them that the Government doesn’t do this in your name. 
“If ever nature has needed you, it’s now.”

The Wildlife Trusts, Plantlife, WWF, are all getting involved too. These moderate groups have recognised that the trajectory of Truss and Kartang is completely life-destroying.

The big picture is clear here, there is a nationwide - in fact planet-wide - attack on nature - and we need to reverse it. But the destruction of the limited protections nature, in the name of clearing ‘red tape’, is going to hit hedgehogs too - there is no way we will be able to get this government to give these amazing animals the protection they need. 

Please - write to your MP - join a protest - there is a big one in London on Saturday 1st October - a coalition of activist groups taking to the streets. Or - and this is just as important - do your bit in your patch to help nature thrive.

A glimmer of hope - alongside the ranks of conservation groups getting active - is the fabulous New Networks for Nature. I have been going to this gathering of writers, artists, poets, and ecologists for years. And it is the most inspiring and hope-invoking space ... 

This is not inevitable - just look here at what is happening across the channel. 

Sorry for such an angry update, but I am, as you can probably tell, angry. Baby hogs in a rescue as a soothing balm!

Any support, and as ever, thank you.