Born in the spring hedgehogs are destined for a solitary life. Brought up by their mother they are dutifully cared for and then abandoned in the autumn to fend for themselves. Brave to the point of foolhardiness hedgehogs rely on their spines for protection. This is such an excellent form of defence that they fear nothing, knowing that they can curl up into a ball at any time. However, this is not such a good idea when crossing roads and many die each year under the wheels of a car.

A recent survey carried out by the Royal Horticultural Society and The Wildlife Trusts named the hedgehog as the nation’s favourite garden creature.