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In the 1950s, the UK was home to some 30 million hedgehogs. Now it's estimated that there are just one million, according to a recent report published by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES). It’s not known exactly why hedgehogs

the warmth generated by decomposing matter.Then I found a hedgehog. I don't know which of us was more surprised when I nearly ran it down with a wheelbarrow full of weeds. We both stopped dead (I'd spotted him beneath the barrow as I could barely see over

.Wooden wine crate1.2m length of 15cm x 2cm untreated timber25mm galvanised nails1m length of hosepipeJig saw, drill and hammer25mm drill bitall year roundA couple of hoursStart by making the tunnel for the hedgehog house. Cut the timber into four 30cm lengths

You might see your garden as an isolated entity, but the local hedgehogs, frogs, birds and bees view it differently. As long as there are holes under fences for animals to get from one garden to the next, yours is just one piece in the varied jigsaw

of the last flowers.Anyway, I tell you all this not only to entertain you with tales of my day but also to demonstrate the fact that this garden teems with wildlife. Apart from those mentioned we have birds a-go-go, the odd hedgehog and there is a grass snake

for the lifecycles of frogs, dragonflies and water beetles, and will also make it easier for creatures like hedgehogs and birds to bathe. Deeper areas (up to 1m) are essential too, as frogs overwinter in the muddy depths, breathing through their skin.The following

before lighting them, preferably making the pile on the day you intend to light it. If you find a baby hedgehog in autumn, take it in and keep it warm. Feed it with cat or dog food and water, but don't release it until it weighs at least 450g (1lb). Visit

, hedgehogs, beetles and other pest-eating wildlifeWatch out for red lily beetle on the tips and leaves of lilies. Squash any you find, or spray with a suitable pesticide

to your gardenBuilding a hedgehog houseMaking a bird boxMaking a bee hotelInstalling a window bird feederMore advice on making a bat boxMaking fat cakes for birdsMaking a green roof for a bird tableBrowse plants that are attractive to wildlifeView a

Clean out bird boxesLevel out dips in lawns with loam-based compost and sow fresh grass seedClear away debris that could be sheltering slugs and snailsCheck bonfires before lighting, in case they are sheltering sleeping hedgehogsSend off for seed