'Important' to look after hedgehogs in our gardens

Surrey Wildlife Trust says hedgehog numbers "are down substantially"

Surrey wildlife groups are urging people to make sure their gardens are welcoming to hedgehogs.

Hedgehog Awareness Week, an annual campaign by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, runs until 10 May.

Anne Brummer, founder of Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue in Windlesham, said hedgehogs "get to know an area really well so it's really important that we look after the hedgehogs in our local area".

Oliver Fry, of Surrey Wildlife Trust, told BBC Radio Surrey hedgehog numbers "are down substantially" in recent years.

Hedgehogs can be supported by ensuring gardens are not "too tidy" as they like to hide in leaves, foliage, and under sheds, said Mr Fry.

He added that cutting small holes in the bottom of fences will "enable the prickly little characters to move around unimpeded, and they'll help you out by eating your slugs as they go about their business".

'What's not to love?'

Ms Brummer said native flowers can attract food for hedgehogs as can places for them to drink, but that it was important to make sure hedgehogs have a means of escape from water if they fall in.

Ponds, uncovered drains, and gardening tools can all be hazards for hedgehogs, she added.

"It's important to look after them because they are really cool," she said.

"They only do good to our garden, they get rid of all the slugs and bugs and things that gardeners don't like in there, and they are just the most beautiful little things you can imagine. What's not to love about them?"

Mr Fry added: "They are wonderful creatures and it is such a pleasure to see them in your garden."