Hedgehog numbers in the UK have declined drastically, with populations dropping by over half in rural areas since 2000. This decline is due to habitat loss, road accidents, and the use of pesticides that kill their food sources like insects.

November is a crucial month for hedgehogs as they prepare for hibernation, so if you would like to help Britain's beloved spiky friends, why not get busy in the garden this weekend and create a safe space for them. You could put out some suitable food, like meaty cat food, ensure there are hedgehog-sized access holes in your fences, and build a shelter using log piles or a custom-built hedgehog house. These videos from the RSPB explain more about how you can help the hedgehogs this autumn.