Hedgehogs getting ready for hibernation

Studies from Britain and elsewhere in Europe have found that hedgehog numbers are in steep decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation from changing farming practices and development. As the environment in Ireland is experiencing similar pressures the hedgehog population in Ireland may be similarly affected — link to study below

As hedgehogs are generally nocturnal they are not often seen in the wild unless they are found dead on roads, or if they are regular visitors to gardens at night. The Irish Hedgehog Survey is looking to receive any sightings of live or dead hedgehogs to build up a more detailed picture of where they occur. Picture: Alamy/PA

Some readers have been telling us about seeing hedgehogs in their gardens these evenings: not a surprise as the spiky chaps actively prepare for winter hibernation.

If your garden has hedges, trees and plants which offer cover for these harmless creatures, then they will be attracted to your place. They also rest beneath heaps of leaves, compost, logs and twigs, and you could even find them under a garden shed.