Wildlife in danger

Some of the most familiar animals in Britain, including the hedgehog and the house sparrow, have been added to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, the government's early warning system for species in serious decline. The action plan, reviewed every 10 years, has doubled the number of species on the priority protection list, to 1,149 from 577 in 1997.

Concern about the hedgehog stems from an estimated fall in population which, if continued, would lead to extinction by 2025. Familiar mostly as a squashed victim on the roads, the spiny mammal is up against traffic, pollution, pesticides, and garden chemicals. We installed a hedgehog house almost two years ago (they can be ordered through the BHPS Hogalogue) and have seen up to three hedgehogs at a time in our garden. You can report hedgehog sightings on Hogwatch.