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.

Hedgehog voted number one Icon of the Environment

The humble hedgehog – immortalised by the character “Mrs Tiggy-winkle” in Beatrix Potter’s classic children’s books – has been voted by the public as England and Wales’ number one Icon of the Environment. As part of the Environment Agency’s 10th anniversary celebrations people were asked to take part in an ICON of the Environment poll and to nominate and vote for their favourite environmental icon, at the official ICONS – A Portrait of England website.

From a field strewn with more than 70 nominations, the hedgehog emerged victorious ahead of the otter, red squirrel, and oak tree, with bluebell woods rounding out the top five.

Don't forget the Hogalogue!

If you are looking for a Christmas gift for someone interested in hedgehogs, then check out the catalogue from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society - called The Hogalogue - with goods such as hedgehog food, hedgehog houses, cards, and books.

Alternatively, you could give them A Prickly Affair: My Life with Hedgehogs‏ by Hugh Warwick, which you may have heard plugged on Radio 4 and which is described as "a highly original and entertaining book".

August means animal stories in the news

Bird-feeding may be banned in Berwick-upon-Tweed but there have been more positive wildlife- and animal-related stories in the media recently:

• A night out with tag-team hedgehog
• Military penguin becomes a 'Sir'
• Wild dolphins tail-walk on water
• Three-legged dog loves train ride
• Animal magnetism