Hedgehogs have had a long association with humans, extending back to Ancient Egypt and beyond. At times they have been viewed unfavourably, but for most people the hedgehog is an engaging and interesting animal. In recent years it has ousted the badger, dolphin and red squirrel from heading the list of the most popular British mammals. Strong public support makes it an ideal flagship species for encouraging public acceptance of nature conservation principles, particularly in the urban environment. The hedgehog is a valuable bioindicator species, attesting to the viability of ecosystems. Their presence is indicative of sustainable populations of important invertebrates, especially earthworms and the many insects whose larvae and adults perform vital ecological functions. In a worrying development, the hedgehog’s plight appears to be worsening, with a new survey revealing a further decline in garden sightings. Their long-term but poorly understood decline is attributed to the loss and f