WE were amused by the piece in your September 24 Nature Notes that described how hedgehogs fed in a Darwen garden will line up to wait for their food. Typical, we thought!

Hedgehogs are fond of their stomachs at the best of times, and at this time of year they are eating plenty to build up their fat levels before hibernation. With hibernation coming closer by the day it is good to know that many people leave out tinned, meat-based pet food and water to help put on some extra ounces.

The hedgehogs in danger of dying are the little ones born in autumn litters.

Hedgehogs need to weigh at least 11/4 to 1 lbs or they will not survive hibernation. If you come across a lone and tiny hoglet in your garden please take it indoors.

It will need warmth, water and tinned meat-based pet food until it has gained enough weight to be released when the weather warms again.

Many of your readers will know of the existence of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. Others may be interested in its aims.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the Society, its activities and the wide range of hedgehog goods which are sold should send a stamped addressed envelope to the address below.

A H COLES, British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Knowbury House, Knowbury, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 3LQ.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.