All gardeners and naturalists love hedgehogs and are concerned at their rapidly declining numbers. So, to see how you can help these delightful little creatures, come along to Mendip Gardening Club.

We will be welcoming Colin Varndell to talk about the life of the hedgehog, its diet and dangers and how we can help in their survival. Colin is a Dorset-based, award-winning natural history photographer.

His photographs have featured in over forty books and are used to promote the work of many conservation organisations.

His presentation will be a feast for the eyes as well as increasing our awareness of the plight of the hedgehog.

Our speaker last month was Helena Crouch, who took us on an amazing tour of the Cam and Wellow Valleys.

Helena is responsible for recording the flora of these valleys, covering just over 150 square kilometres. The area is divided up into one kilometre squares and and every plant in every square, is recorded! The area covers diverse landscapes, woods, arable fields, ponds, waterways and post industrial sites to name a few. Some species only occur in one single square, but other plants, such as nettles and buttercups, are found in every one!

Helena’s knowledge is encyclopaedic and her beautifully illustrated talk left us raring to get out into the countryside to join her on her mapping walks next spring.

Our next meeting, featuring the hedgehog, is on Wednesday, 17th November. We meet at Ston Easton Village Hall, Green St, BA3 4DA at 7.30pm. A warm welcome awaits members and visitors alike.

Gillian Hipwood