For over a quarter of a century, this book, in its various editions, has remained the principal "popular" book on the hedgehog – a measure of its success and usefulness. The original Hedgehogs was first published in 1983, to acclaim: for the first time the secrets of one of our favourite backgarden animals were revealed. What was unusual about it was the lighthearted style combined with scientific information. Since 1983 Pat Morris has discovered more interesting facts about hedgehogs; the position of the hedgehog in Britain's countryside is no longer secure and the suitability of many backgardens has changed. Hence this new, expanded, updated edition.
The book aims to provide simple, factual and down-to-earth information about one of Britain's best loved wild creatures, a bumbling and endearing animal. Pat Morris explains the natural foraging, nesting and hibernating of hedgehogs as well as how we can help: putting out food for hedgehogs and how to help autumn orphans. Other subjects include implications of road kills, the Uist problem and slug pellets. The book is meant to reflect the fun and interest of hedgehogs.
Pat Morris, or Mr Hedgehog, is this country's leading hedgehog expert; having studied them for over 40 years, he has probably published more scientific papers on the European hedgehog than anyone. An established author and broadcaster, he was consultant to BBC TV's Great Hedgehog Mystery and various other wildlife programmes. He was formerly Senior Lecturer in Zoology, Royal Holloway (University of London). He also wrote Dormice in this series
Reviews of the original 1983 publication include:
"[...] this book should be on the shelves of everyone who hears hedgehogs foraging in the garden [...]"
– Times Educational Supplement
"[...] written with a great deal of humour and a mine of useful as well as useless information [...]"
– Robin Page, Daily Telegraph
"[...] highly entertaining and witty [...]"
– Evening Mail
"[...] a truly fascinating book about one of nature's most endearing creatures [...]"
– Manchester Evening News