Conservationist and author of the acclaimed Elegy of a River Tom Moorhouse takes a 360-degree approach to investigating why hedgehog numbers are in freefall and what can be done to protect British wildlife.

'A necessary nature book, with prose as sharp as prickles' John Lewis-Stempel

In poll after poll hedgehogs come out top as Britain's favourite mammal. And yet their numbers have been in freefall, estimated to have halved in less than twenty years. Why? Who or what is responsible for the disappearance of so many thousands of hedgehogs in recent decades?

Hopeful and informative, in a story full of twists, turns and uncomfortable truths, conservationist Tom Moorhouse explores the trade-offs that exist between humans and wildlife. And, drawing on insights from other hedgehog experts, he hands readers the toolkit necessary to help bring our prickly friends back.