British Mammals - The British Hedgehog Preservation Society

In 2007, for the first time, hedgehogs were included on a list of British wildlife in danger. Not only do they face their traditional predators - foxes, pine martens, stoats and badgers - but today's hedgehog's are also killed by ponds, bonfires, cars, lawnmowers, strimmers, pesticides, garden netting and litter.

We were thrilled to work with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society to produce their official cover. Our cover coincides with the set of Endangered Mammals stamps issued by Royal Mail on 13th April 2010. The hedgehog is featured on the 1st class stamp. it is available signed by television presenter, writer & adventurer, Ben Fogle who is a patron of the Society.

• British Mammals - The British Hedgehog Preservation Society
• Featuring 5 of the British Mammals stamps
• Working with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society
• With a Ludlow, Shropshire postmark (13th April, 2010)
• Available signed by Ben Fogle

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs have probably been on earth for around 15 million years. Like many of the first mammals, they have adapted to a nocturnal, insectivorous way of life. The name hedgehog came into use around the year 1450. 

The hedgehog spines are actually hollow hairs. Although the spines are a bit prickly they don't contain any kind of poison, and they are the hedgehog's only defence against predators. A hedgehog can have up to 7,000 spines, but the rely on the fact that if they roll into a ball, none will touch them. Sadly it is no defence against badgers, humans, or most particular, traffic on roads. They hibernate, and many hedgehogs choose bad sites, such as bonfires, for their winter retreat. In the UK they generally hibernate from November to March, although this can depend on the temperature and weather.

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Ben Fogle is an English broadcaster and writer, best known for his presenting roles with British television channels Channel 5, BBC and ITV.