Often my google alerts just dump loads of 'sonic' content on my inbox, but yesterday they came up trumps with this!

University of Nottingham's Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre (nmRC) have investigated hedgehog spines using a range of devices including X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Microscale images of the interior and exterior of the spines revealed support segments and hollow sections, similar to when a citrus fruit is cut in half which probably contribute to the strength and flexibility of the spines. The images also showed that the exterior had a ribbed surface texture and scaly microstructure.

I am lucky enough to have a taxidermy hedgehog that I take with me to many of the talks I give - in particular in schools. It is one of my most important props! It means that the children get to see a hedgehog - and more importantly, stroke the spines. It really gets their imagination going when they eventually work out that those prickles are just modified hair!

It would be cruel to take living hogs into schools, this is something about which a code of conduct has now been written between all the top rehabilitators.

So - what are you planning for Hedgehog Awareness Week? Leaping into life on Sunday - there follows seven days of activities around the country - will you use the Bank Holiday weekend to build a highway? Talk to your neighbour and get a 13 x13cm hole in the fence or wall between you! 

I have a favour to ask you - if you have bought any of my books it will have probably been through your local bookshop ... but ... when my Hedgehog book came out through Graffeg it got AMAZING love from you in reviews and ratings on Amazon. This pushes it up the lists and makes it more visible. So my ask is - could you go to Amazon and drop some love on my Beaver and Water Vole books ... you don't need to buy them through there, but a review or a few stars will make a difference! 

My next book - a very different subject - is going to be sent to my publishers today (all being well) so that I can relax for the weekend and get ready for the fun and frolics of May morning - Oxford celebrates Beltane in quite an extraordinary way ... follow me on twitter or instagram to see more!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and see you next time in Hedgehog Awareness Week!