THERE'S an advantage to being a lazy gardener - when you finally get around to clearing up there's plenty to put on the compost heap. This means that hedgehogs have loads of useful bedding material, and a big compost heap to snuggle down in for the winter.

If you're a tidy gardener, no long grass or tangled brambles in sight, and you'd rather your hedgehog emerged clean and shiny in spring rather than ponging of ripe compost, you can supply a tidy little hedgehog box. We supply these through our Hogalogue or, if you're a DIY enthusiast, there are instructions on how to make one.

For a free copy of the Hogalogue send an A5 size stamped, self-addressed envelope to the address below.

Many of your readers will know of the existence of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. Others may be interested in its aims: 1 To encourage and give advice to the public about the care of Hedgehogs, particularly when injured, sick, orphaned, treated cruelly or in any danger. 2 To encourage the younger generation to value and respect our natural wildlife and, by supplying information and giving lectures, to foster their interest in Hedgehogs. 3 To fund serious research into the behavioural habits of Hedgehogs and to ascertain the best methods of assisting their survival.

Anyone who wishes to learn more about the Society should send a stamped addressed envelope to the address below.

A H COLES, British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Knowbury House, Shropshire, SY8 3LQ