Bramble hogs the headlines on deadline day

Bramble, an African pygmy hedgehog, and carer Emily Palmer popped in with news of a special show planned for next month.

August 13 will see Pagham Village Hall ‘hogged’ by fund-raisers in aid of the National Exotic Hedgehog Rescue and Brent Lodge Wildlife Trust.

The visit proved timely as today it was announced a petition, launched by Oliver Colvile MP and backed by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), has reached over 43,000 online signatures.

The petition is calling for the hedgehog to become a protected species and is open until August 11.

Oliver Colvile and his supporters are asking for one final push to boost his campaign in a bid to reach 100,000 or more so it will be discussed in parliament.

Mr Colvile said: “The attention of the nation has been taken by important political news of late, but the plight of the hedgehog should not be belittled. Their numbers are in serious decline and it is our responsibility and duty to help reverse that in any way we can.”

Fay Vass, chief executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society said: “It’s clear people are concerned about hedgehogs from the amount of support already received, but we need more people to sign. They are much loved by the UK population and we are asking those people to now sign a simple online petition to ensure the option of increasing protection for them is discussed in parliament.”

To see the petition visit https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/121264.

For more information on the hedgehog show see www.facebook.com/ChichesterAPHShow/