As the nights draw in and temperatures begin to fall, you may notice an increase in hedgehog sightings. These nocturnal creatures are often seen more frequently during autumn as they build up essential fat reserves to see them through the winter months.

Hedgehogs are often considered a gardener's best friend due to their diet of common garden pests such as slugs, worms, caterpillars and beetles. Despite being one of the UK's most cherished wild animals, the hedgehog population is currently dwindling and is classified as vulnerable to extinction.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reports that there are fewer than 900,000 hedgehogs remaining in Britain - a significant decrease from the estimated 30 million in the 1950s. The loss of habitat, busy roads, and changes in farming and garden

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