GIVEN the torrential rain this summer, I suppose it's not surprising that normally-solid drain covers were washed away.

Hedgehogs have very poor eyesight and if there's a hole in the ground a hedgehog will find it the hard way. When it's deep and steep like a drain there's no chance to climb out again.

Please take a couple of minutes to check the drain covers. A plastic replacement costs about 50p, and it's easier than having to call the fire brigade when you find a hedgehog stuck there.

A H COLES, British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Knowbury House, Shropshire.

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