Hedgehogs are in a prickly situation and need our help, say wildlife experts.

According to Sussex Wildlife Trust, numbers have fallen by 30 per cent in just over ten years and there are fewer than one million of the spiny critters left in the UK.

Charlotte Owen, of Sussex Wildlife Trust, said: “Hedgehogs were once a common sight but they have undergone a drastic decline and they are disappearing from our parks and gardens about as fast as tigers are worldwide.

“Changes to urban and rural landscapes have made life much tougher for them.”

She said that we have lost traditional meadows to ploughs and chemicals, and gardens have become less hedgehog-friendly as they are paved over or securely fenced.

Andy Cameron, who runs Beaks And Squeaks wildlife rehabilitation centre in Hangleton, said: “I would ask people to have access points big enough for a hedgehog to be able to wander through the gardens.

“By all means put out food, but water is very important. Food should be meat-based, and no milk. Also be careful with strimmers, as so many have their legs cut off by them.

“My opinion on the decline is the same for the decline in most of our wildlife. Maybe there are too many humans.”

Green MP Caroline Lucas said: “The decline in hedgehogs in Britain is deeply shocking.

“These beautiful creatures were once common in our countryside and gardens but they are now in real danger.

“This steep decline in hedgehog numbers is an example of the profound impact humans can have on our environment and should be a wake-up call to the Government as we approach the Brexit deadline.

“Our environment is threatened not only by intensive agriculture and pesticide use but also by the fact that EU environmental laws look set to be weakened if Brexit happens.”

Carole Bean, who runs self-funded rescue centre Honeycroft Hogs in Hangleton, said: “Hedgehogs come through our doors with injuries from dog bites, gardening equipment and parasites.

“People should create wild areas in their gardens and avoid using pesticides, pellets and garden netting.

“This could have a huge impact and could help the hedgehog population a lot.”

For more information, go to hedgehogstreet.org.