AT this time of year, the first hedgehogs are spotted emerging hungry from hibernation.

Every year, thousands of these poor hungry creatures are killed on the roads, along with a whole host of other wildlife and pets.

Fitting a clever little device to vehicles can reduce this terrible loss. The Animal Alert is a small high frequency easily fitted whistle that alerts animals to the oncoming vehicle giving them time to flee from the road.

FAY VASS, British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Hedgehog House, Dhustone, Ludlow.