ONE of our enduring favourites, hedgehogs first appeared in the UK 15 million years ago. They are fascinating mammals and over recent years I have learnt so much, studying the hedgehogs that visit our garden, as well as going to the local rescue centre.

Texts from the Middle Ages refer to the ‘hyde-hoge’, translating as “hedge pig”, and in 1758, Carl Linnaeus gave the hedgehog its scientific Latin name, Erinaceus europaeus.

Modern hedgehogs have no close relatives, but they are cousins of moles and shrews.

Interestingly, in Alderney, where there are no natural predators, hedgehogs have evolved into a distinctive blonde colour.

Much remains unknown about hedgehogs. They have some strange habits, such as “self-anointing”. This is when, for unknown reasons, a hedgehog starts to excessively salivate. It then twists its body and throws its head over its shoulder to flick the froth onto its spines.

Unfortunately, modern agricultural and gardening practices have caused hedgehog numbers to dwindle. There are now fewer than 1 million left, down from 30 million in the 1950s.

If you are lucky enough to have this prickly visitor in your garden, it is increasingly important that we give it a helping hand.

Whereas a hedgehog’s usual diet consists of slugs, snails and worms it also enjoys non-fish - flavoured cat/dog food (either tinned or dry) and specialised hedgehog food. Please do not provide milk, bread, or mealworms (although hedgehogs often enjoy these). In summer, shallow water bowls are welcome.

We can also improve its habitat. A hedgehog roams up to 2km a night and to facilitate this, if possible, leave gaps of about 13 cm under fencing. If a curious hedgehog falls into a garden pond, provide ramps to assist with escape. We should also be aware that a hedgehog may nest in open compost heaps or bonfires, so it is helpful to periodically check these, particularly around November 5th. Finally, try and avoid using garden chemicals and slug pellets. An active hedgehog population will naturally keep pests at bay

If you see a hedgehog in the day, something may be wrong, and it is best to seek professional help. Use gardening gloves to carefully pick it up and place it in a cardboard box. Cover this with a blanket and either call the British Hedgehog Society on 01584 809801 or visit a vet. Because they are wild animals, hedgehogs are free of charge.

Let’s restore hedgehogs as a vibrant member of Yorkshire’s wildlife.

www.wharfedalenats.org.uk