A PETITION which successfully gathered more than 100,000 signatures asking for greater legal protection for hedgehogs, has allowed the British Hedgehog Preservation Society to secure a date in parliament for a debate on how changes in the law might help the UK’s dwindling hedgehog population.

MP’s will discuss this on July 5, between 4.30pm and 6pm.

The Charity is asking its supporters in Mid Devon to contact their MP to request that they attend and be a voice for the prickly creatures.

Fay Vass, Chief Executive of the Charity said: “We would love everyone to send an email to their MP before July, 5 asking them to attend the debate and support the petition.

MP for Central Devon, Mel Stride can be emailed at: [email protected] .

To get you started, you can find some suggested wording for your email on the website: www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk.” 

Hedgehog numbers have fallen by half in rural areas and a third in urban areas since the year 2000.

The debate will be streamed live on Parliament Live TV.