Top gardening tips to help the humble hedgehog will be on offer at a wildlife event this Saturday (October 17) at Seaton Wetlands.

East Devon District Council’s Countryside Team will be working in their wildlife garden from 10am to 2pm to improve the area for our prickly friends. Come along and learn about what hedgehogs need from a garden, and just why our gardens are increasingly important refuges for these wonderful creatures. There is even the opportunity to pre-book a hedgehog box kit to make and take home with you.

Steve Edmonds, EDDC Countryside team leader for sites, said that hedgehogs are well known as the gardener’s friend, as they eat snails, slugs and insects.

He said: “Hedgehogs have suffered huge declines across our countryside in recent years, so at this event we will be making hedgehog homes to help these little mammals find shelter over the winter. We’ll also be offering visitors the opportunity to pick up some hedgehog-friendly gardening tips for their own garden.”

Those wanting a hedgehog house kit, which cost £10, need to pay in advance. The event is free although donations are welcome. Car parking for Wetlands is through the Seaton cemetery entrance on the Colyford to Seaton road. For more information call 01395 517557 or email Countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk