THE spring sunshine is bringing out the hedgehogs as well as the flowers.

After their long hibernation, they need to replace fat lost over winter. You can help by leaving out a dish of tinned, meat-based pet food and a bowl of fresh water.

Attracting a hedgehog to your garden like this is a smart idea because when it has finished its meal of pet food it will go on to guzzle the slugs that are making a meal of your hostas.

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