HEDGEHOGS are in deep trouble – they have declined by 30 per cent in the past 10 years alone and there are now thought to be fewer than one million left in the UK.

Disconnected habitats and dwindling food resources are at the root of the issues facing hedgehogs across the UK and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust hopes to ensure this beloved endemic mammal finds a stronghold in Yorkshire with the help of their supporters.

Trust director of development Jonathan Leadley said: “Thanks to our supporters, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is providing the perfect home for hedgehogs across many of the trust’s nature reserves, but we need to do more. We have launched a new appeal especially for hedgehogs here in Yorkshire.

"Donations will be used to lobby against the use of harmful chemicals which is hampering insect populations that hedgehogs rely so heavily on; facilitate our work with landowners, councils and developers to promote suitable habitats for hedgehogs across Yorkshire; and inspire and engage families across Yorkshire to ensure their gardens are hedgehog-friendly and most importantly – connected to one another.”

The appeal was launched to coincide with this year’s Wild About Gardens Week, hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society and The Wildlife Trust.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s people and wildlife officer Harriet Johnson said: “Autumn is a key time for hedgehogs as they prepare for winter. When the time is right they will construct a hibernacula, which in essence is a large nest made out of grass, leaves and materials such as straw. The nest has to keep them dry and remain frost free throughout the winter so the walls of the nest can often be up to 10 centimetres thick!

"Hedgehogs are currently declining in Britain at the same rate as tigers are around the world – about five per cent a year. For an animal with little legs, hedgehogs can travel between one to two kilometres per night searching for food, a mate and nesting sites. One of the most important things we can do for hedgehogs is to give them access between our gardens and greenspaces."

Harriet added: “Connectivity is so important for hedgehog movement and unlocking our gardens, shared community spaces, places of work etc. could well be the key to help reverse their declining population. There are many other ways to help hedgehogs, with bonfire night fast approaching don’t forget to check your bonfires ahead of the big night. Hedgehogs are renowned for mistaking them for the perfect place to hibernate in winter.”

To make a donation or find out more about the Trust’s hedgehog appeal visit ywt.org.uk/hedgehog