Hedgehog numbers across the UK are falling, particularly in the east of the country, a survey has found.

According to the Mammals Trust UK, hedgehog numbers have dropped steeply since 2001, when a survey to spot animals on roads began.

The idea behind the study is that the quantity of hedgehogs on roads can indicate the size of the UK population.

Experts say that, amongst other factors, tidier decked gardens are responsible for the animals' decline.

Dr Valerie Keeble of the Mammals Trust UK (MTUK) said people should leave their gardens a bit haphazard to encourage the animals' return

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