With National Hedgehog Day fast approaching (2nd February), what better time than now to write a new diary entry, centred around one of our most, if not the most iconic woodland animal of them all - the European Hedgehog.

Popularised in modern culture by the likes of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and Sonic, they are often mentioned as being beloved. I am yet to meet anyone who doesn’t find them endearing. Perhaps it is because they are renowned for their laziness? Or maybe it’s because they turn increasingly ginger with age? A contributing factor is surely that their young are known simply, as hoglets.

There is a reason why I chose the humble Hedgehog as the logo for my site. They are indeed my favourite of all the animal kingdom, and I am not alone.

Why then, does the Hedgehog find itself in one of the most frightening eco-predicaments? As a protected species, how can it possibly now be, one of the most at risk animals in the UK? It is estimated that we have lost over half of our Hedgehogs in the countryside since the millennium.

Britains hedgehogs are believed to have decreased by 73% in the last 20 years, with the downward trajectory showing as of yet, no sign of curtailing. They are now officially listed as vulnerable to extinction - a sobering thought. But as many of you will be aware, Hedgehogs will, if we’re lucky enough, venture into our gardens, giving us a real opportunity to lend a helping hand and perhaps change the course of the dreadful plight that this wonderful creature now finds itself in.

Last September, I was staying up in the Cheviots on a short break to sample some of Northumberland’s stunning rolling hills and breathtaking views. A late stroll one night revealed a wonderful surprise, but the sad thing is, these days it really is a surprise in every sense of the word. Walking down a moonlit track I attempted to locate a male Tawny Owl that had been very vocal over the previous night, and I knew it was in one of the surrounding beech trees. I was fascinated by Pipistrelle Bats gliding past directly above me, but it was what I heard right in front of me that actually startled me the most. It was that friendly and familiar old snuffle of that little urchin, that gets its common name from its pig-like snout. I see them every now and again, but certainly no where near enough. No matter, it is always a wow moment. Not just because of how fond I am of them, but also due to the increasing scarcity of their sightings. Even a roadkill hedgehog is a rarity nowadays. I will always savour the moment of stumbling across a hedgehog, forever etched in the memory and it is invariably gratifying to see them when you're supposed to see them - in the black of night. This is a strong indicator of a healthy hog.

However, seeing one out in the daytime, can be quite the contrasting circumstance.

There are some exceptions, but the peek of a hedgehog in daylight hours usually depicts a sick hedgehog - possibly starving, dehydrated, diseased, or even all of the above. It is a truly depressing sight to behold, and one where it is always advised to contact a local rescue centre for expert guidance. The UK is in fact, one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, and Hedgehogs like much of our wildlife, are really struggling. It is thought that the main contributors to the decline is fragmented habitat due to the intensification of agriculture, grubbing out of the hedgerows, and without a doubt - the ‘modern’ garden. For me, the only thing more dispiriting than witnessing the severe hedgehog decline is seeing a garden fitted out with plastic grass and fenced off to the max. Our gardens were once an absolute haven for these creatures and one of the most vital wildlife corridors around. For some unknown reason, society now dictates that a boxed-in, zero management garden is of far more importance.

Roads and speeding are of course another factor. I always remember the time I once stopped my car while leaving a car park, to get out and move a crossing hog to safety. I will never forget the attitude and enragement of the driver behind me, even after he noticed exactly what I was doing. All just so he could get home a couple of minutes earlier. Positively baffling.

By incorporating just a few small changes to our gardens and urban spaces, we can make such a huge difference. Hedgehogs need space to roam and forage. Their individual, natural territories can range up to 20 hectares. It is staggering to think that such a small animal can roam up to 2km a night!

By cutting a small hole in your garden fence, and importantly encouraging your street neighbours to follow suite, you can immediately create a free-ranging area for a family of roaming Hedgehogs. What a privilege it would be to entice a new group of Hedgehogs into your garden. The symbiotic relationship that will without a doubt benefit both parties.

Leave that small corner of your plot to grow wild, let that pile of autumn leaves stay where they are for the winter. Both will provide perfect shelter, breeding and nesting habitat. Ponds can provide a regular water and food source for hedgehogs, so if you have one, always make sure there is a little ramp in place for them to clamber back out, as unfortunately they do fall in sometimes!

A little while back I made up some tracking tunnels to determine the presence of hedgehogs for Northumberland Wildlife Trust. They are a simple contraption - a tunnel with two open ends, some paper at either side of an ‘ink’ strip with some hedgehog food in the middle. Placed parallel to a fence or wall, they are a great way of finding out if you have Hedgehogs in your garden.

Diverting the plummeting numbers of Britain’s only spiny mammal is something that I care about tremendously. When I speak to people about the subject, quite often through no fault of their own, they just aren’t aware of the extent of the situation, but nevertheless, immediately want to help.

Small alterations to your gardens can make a massive difference. You will be surprised at how quickly they will come, if you can provide them with the essentials they need.

This year, let’s pledge as a collective to think twice about using slug pellets and chemicals, make sure we check that long grass before we cut it, put food and water out where we can, and make a perfect home environment for our truly emblematic snufflers to prosper.

Hedgehogs are one of our true hibernators, so come March their spring awakening will begin. This May marks the occasion of National Hedgehog Awareness Week in the UK, so now would be the perfect time to begin playing our part in the turning of the tide, and gain a head start in aiding the fortunes of our most beguiling and charismatic critter.