Charity alert as hedgehog numbers fall

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Hedgehog numbers are falling rapidly in the region Credit: Credit: Wolfgang Kumm/DPA/Press Association Images

Hedgehog numbers in the South West are declining by as much as five per cent a year, according to the People's Trust For Endangered Species. The wildlife charity says a decade-long survey shows that numbers are declining dramatically.

It blames the loss of hedgerows and grasslands together with the use of pesticides which reduce the amount of food available to hedgehogs. The trend for tidier gardens is also believed to contribute to a loss of suburban habitats.

The charity, together with the Hedgehog Preservation Society, is appealing for volunteers to take part in the second annual Hedgehog Hibernation Survey.