THIS wonderful sunshine is bringing out the hedgehogs as well as the flowers. After their long hibernation, they need to replace fat lost over winter. You can help by leaving out a dish of tinned, meat-based pet food and a bowl of fresh water.

Attracting a hedgehog to your garden like this is a smart idea because, when it has finished its meal of pet food, it will go on to guzzle the slugs that are making a meal of your hostas.

If you prefer to leave dried food for hedgehogs, this is available through our Hogalogue. For a free copy of the Hogalogue send an A5 stamped, self-addressed envelope to the address below.

Many of your readers will know of the existence of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. Others may be interested in its aims:

(1) To encourage and give advice to the public about the care of hedgehogs, particularly when injured, sick, orphaned, treated cruelly or in any danger.

(2) To encourage the younger generation to value and respect our natural wildlife and, by supplying information and giving lectures, to foster their interest in hedgehogs.

(3) To fund serious research into the behavioural habits of hedgehogs and to ascertain the best methods of assisting their survival.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the Society, its activities and the wide range of hedgehog goods which are sold, should send a stamped addressed envelope to the address below.

A H Coles

British Hedgehog Preservation Society

Knowbury House

Shropshire

SY8 3LQ