THE hedgehog has been named the nation's favourite garden creature in a survey by the Royal Horticultural Society and the Wildlife Trusts as part of their joint project Wild About Gardens.

The survey of more than 2,000 respondents also placed the robin, frog, blackbird and ladybird in the top ten. Almost all believed that gardeners should do more to support wildlife and that gardeners could come to the rescue of species in decline.

Simon Thornton-Wood, assistant director of science and learning for the society, said: "These results say a lot about the public's attitude to garden wildlife. The most popular reasons given for choosing favourites indicate that people connect on an emotional level with wildlife in their garden. We feel affection for creatures that enhance our own enjoyment of the outdoors."

Seven of the creatures in the top ten eat garden pests but that was only the fourth most popular reason for choosing them behind 'it's pretty', 'it's colourful' and 'it's entertaining to watch'.

Stephanie Hilborne, chief executive of trusts, said: "It appears that common myths are gradually disappearing as most respondents disagreed that gardening for wildlife means a messy and unsightly garden and disagreed that their garden is too small to garden for wildlife."

She added: "There are still knowledge gaps we need to fill. I hope that we've generated enough enthusiasm is people to learn more about how they can contribute to increasing and supporting garden wildlife."

The top ten favourite garden creatures were: 1 Hedgehog, 2 Bird (non-specific), 3 Robin, 4 Frog, 5 Butterfly, 6 Blackbird, 7 Blue Tit, 8 Ladybird, 9 Bee, 10 Squirrel.