IT IS FEARED that hedgehogs are becoming a rare sight in gardens across Denbighshire.

A report - The State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2018 - revealed there is an ongoing decline in the population of the spiny mammals England, Scotland and Wales collectively, especially when it comes to the countryside.

There is hope when it comes to urban areas; hedgehogs remain widespread and there are indications the decline has levelled off.

The report, by Emily Wilson and David Wembridge, describes the current status of Britain’s hedgehogs, a decade after they were made a priority species for conservation.

Tracy Pierce, of Ffordd Penrhwylfa, Prestatyn, who runs Facebook page Hedgehog Help Prestatyn and is is registered with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, has 21 hedgehogs in her care.

She said: "At least half of the population of our native hedgehogs have been lost from the countryside and a third from urban areas over the last 20 years.

"There are many reasons for their decline - a lost of habitat, reduced food supply, hazards from increased traffic, use of pesticides, entrapment and isolation.

"I have hedgehogs in my care until Spring. Reasons for their admissions include starvation, Autumn juveniles from late litters not being able to find enough food and many have internal parasites as their variety of food is not available. They are being forced to eat too many slugs, snails and earthworms.

"Some have been attacked by dogs, others trapped in drains, netting or sheds.”

Tracy said it is not all “doom and gloom” and there is a lot of actions residents can take in order to help.

"Allow areas of the garden to grow wild, make a log pile and make sure there is access through your garden," she added.

"Plant hedges, trees, flowers, vegetables, fruit, whatever you can.

"Avoid the use of pesticides. Mini beasts and insects are a vital part of the food chain and if you have a pond, make sure there is a way to climb out."

For more information and advice, visit www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk or head to www.rspca.org.uk and search hedgehogs.