As March approaches, Rutland residents have been warned to take care of hibernating hedgehogs when clearing their gardens.

As spring draws in, and the Rutland County Council green bin collections become more regular, local gardeners will certainly be tempted to clear their gardens to allow the new bulbs and shoots to emerge.

However, before you get the strimmers, shears and rakes out, local and national hedgehog groups and charities are asking residents to check for hibernating hedgehogs.

Now branded 'vulnerable to extinction', hedgehogs usually hibernate between October/November and March/April, under hedgerows, in borders and huddled in untidy corners - which look particularly tempting to start clearing at this time of year.

As such, gardeners are being urged to check as much as possible before accidentally unearthing a prickly friend.

This also applies to Councils assigned to clearing verges, who often use industrial and motorised vehicles that can cause fatal trauma to hedgehogs in hibernation.

A rescued hog at Prickleback. Image credit: Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue.

Meanwhile, hedgehog lovers are encouraged to begin putting out food after the chilly spell due in early March dissipates, as more and more hogs will begin emerging.

Rutland-based hedgehog rescue centre, Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue, said that some of the local population are showing signs of emerging, so "it is really important to make sure food and water is available in your gardens.

"A hedgehogs fat reserves will be depleted after hibernating and their natural food sources are still in short supply so your actions will be lifesaving for your local hedgehog."

They also reminded well-meaning do-gooders to not put out milk, as hedgehogs are lactose intolerant. Instead, they recommend a shallow bowl of water and kitten food, wet or dry, as well as specifically developed hedgehog foods.

See their Amazon Wishlist to donate appropriate food and goods to the hard working rescue duo, Rachel and Jay.

Find out more about Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue via their Facebook page.