AS spring approaches, West Devon gardeners will be getting out in the fresh air to tidy up their flower beds, but they are being asked to be mindful of hedgehogs coming out of hibernation.

Wild hedgehogs will be coming out of hibernation looking for mates, food and a safe place to give birth. Hedgehogs commonly use compost heaps or big piles of leaves.

Gardeners are being asked to take care when turning over compost heaps as many hedgehogs can be seriously injured or killed by garden forks, and to take care when clearing leaves.

If you do come across any baby hedgehogs, carefully cover the nest back over — do not touch them.

People should also check carefully before lighting bonfires, and are being asked to cover drains.

Hedgehogs can swim but will soon tire and drown.

If anyone has a pond, they could put something over the side so that hedgehogs can climb onto it to get out if they fall in.

Also, be careful when mowing or strimming and do not put slug pellets down as they can kill hedgehogs and wild birds.

Anyone who wants to encourage hedgehogs into their gardens could place a hoghouse in a part of the garden, available form most pet stores or easily made.

Put food and water nearby but do not feed with milk and bread.

Anyone who would like any advice or help about hedgehogs can contact Annie and Colin Tyrrell on 01822 855305 or Sandra and Rick Thomas on 01822 852574.