Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
	Description	Britains only spiny mammal is familiar to all, sadly especially from road kills. Head and body length of adults typically ranges between 150-300mm and they can weigh up to 2kg.
	Life cycle	Hedgehogs hibernate between November and March, females give birth to 4-5 young between April and September. Most hedgehogs live for 2-3 years. They are nocturnal.
	Habitat	They tend to live where prey is available, in deciduous woodland, field margins and gardens. Winter nests of leaves are built under some protection such as fallen branches, logs or a garden shed. In summer they have several nests within their home range.
	Diet	Beetles, worms, caterpillars and slugs with occasional eggs and chicks.
	Status
	Reserve	Breeding population resident.
	Britain	Pre-breeding population estimated at 1,555,000, possibly declining in south-east and south-west England.