Many of us have used pesticides when those pesky slugs eat our garden veggies or that weed just wont go away.....but we never consider how our actions impact those we are not targeting. No one leaves slug pellets out to kill hedgehogs...but they do. Slug pellets contain metaldehyde, which is extremely harmful to the environment and creatures we share it with. They can be eaten by hedgehogs or washed into waterways and pollute the water which is harmful to aquatic species, dandelions are killed even though butterflies and bees LOVE them! Hedgehogs can also eat poisoned slugs and snails and then die too. A study revealed that the majority of participants that use pesticides don't follow the product labels, meaning they are risking their own safety and that of the environment. I care deeply about our environment in the UK. 15% of UK species are threatened with extinction and 56% of species have already declined. If pesticide use is being abused then our soil and waterways will become more and more polluted, affecting not only the environment we share with the animals, but our children's future and their relationship with nature. There are lots of natural, non-toxic alternatives to pesticides containing metaldehyde, such as slug traps to protect crops and gardens. Encouraging hedgehogs to come into gardens is also an effective pest control as they love to eat slugs! Lets keep our four legged neighbours safe!