Hedgehog numbers are in decline due to habitat loss

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society said spring had come later to the region than much of the country, meaning many had struggled to survive.

Part of the problem, according to experts, is the animals are still being fed inappropriate diets - like bread and milk - by those wanting to help.

People are being urged to take part in a national survey of the mammals.

Gardeners alerted

The Society's chief executive, Faye Vass, said: "Right across the country Hedgehog numbers are plummeting and faced with a winter as long and cold as this one has been, they struggle.

"Even the ones that do emerge from hibernation are still facing a challenge to find the food to survive."

Alison Townsend from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Hospital added: "The really need to build up their body weight to survive long winters.

"It seems they have also started to wake up mid-winter, if there is a warmer spell, to top up their food supplies.

"And we would ask spring gardeners, with their strimmers and forks, to keep an eye out for hedgehogs that are still sleeping or have just woken up."