A NATIONAL charity is getting a prickly message across.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society is delighted that voters in a poll ran by BBC Wildlife Magazine named the hedgehog as our national species for Britain.

Beating off stiff competition from badgers, oak trees, otters and others, the hedgehog came out on top with 42 per cent of the vote.

The society has a number of famous patrons, Ben Fogle, Ann Widdecombe, John Challis, Lorna Watson, Chris Beardshaw and Twiggy are all said to be ‘over the moon’ at the result.

“We are all thrilled that hedgehogs have won this vote and it could not have come at a better time,”

said Fay Vass, chief executive of the society, based in Clee Hill.

“Hedgehog numbers are in fairly sharp decline so they need all the help they can get. Their place in the nation’s affections is obvious from the result.

“If each and every one of us converts that affection into a positive action to help hedgehogs, their situation will be much improved.”

The society runs ‘Hedgehog Street’ with the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, a project designed to get people involved in making their garden or green space a little patch of hedgehog heaven by becoming a hedgehog champion.

For more information on hedgehogs or Hedgehog Street see www.britishhedgehogs.

org.uk and www.hedgehogstreet.org.