IT’S not often prickly subjects unite the whole of Surrey County Council. But when Labour councillor Robert Evans asked the council to do all it could to protect the county’s hedgehogs, he got almost unanimous support.

“As the sole Labour representative at County Hall, it’s rare when all the other councillors agree with me,” said the Stanwell and Stanwell Moor councillor.

“But preservation of our wildlife is a serious matter. Sightings of hedgehogs are nowhere near as regular as they were when I was small. It’s several years since I’ve seen one now.

“In some areas in Surrey, hedgehogs are still common, but their numbers vary considerably. They might survive happily in some urban areas but still struggle in more rural parts.

“It seems around some of our towns and villages can be excellent habitats for hedgehogs, and some hedgehogs often prefer them over farmland. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and solitary creatures, so tracking or counting them is difficult.”

Replying to Mr Evans’ hedgehogs plea, Mike Goodman, Tory cabinet member for the environment, agreed the council would promote Hedgehog Awareness Week from May 6 to 12 in schools and libraries, especially asking gardeners to be careful with strimmers which can cause horrific deaths for hedgehogs.

“There may be no more than a million hedgehogs left in the UK,” continued the Labour councillor. “That may sound a lot but when you realise it is estimated that in 1950 there were probably some 30 million, you can see the decline.

“How many there are in Surrey, I have no idea! That’s why I’m pleased the county council has agreed to support the campaign to protect our prickly little friends!”

Hedgehog Awareness Week is organised by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and takes place every year. It aims to highlight the problems hedgehogs face and how you can help them.

For more information about the hedgehogs’ plight and what you can do to help safeguard their future in Surrey and support Hedgehogs Awareness Week, visit the website www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk.