ONE of Britain’s favourite mammals is in decline with some experts suggesting the hedgehog could be extinct inside the next decade.
Numbers in 1995 were calculated to be 1.55 million but since the turn of the century, hedgehogs are thought to have declined by a third in urban areas and upto 75 percent in the countryside.
Happily, one member of the family remains in good health and predicted to have a bright future.
So, meet Bushy the Bush-hog, the creation of author Victoria Harwood, now featuring as the star turn in his third and latest children’s book.
Victoria donates proceeds from her popular books to raise awareness of wildlife charities and in particular the plight of the hedgehog.
“He loves to investigate and learn about new and exciting things, meeting new animals along the way and making friends,” says Victoria who overcame her own health issues in 2017 to add ‘Bushy’s Night Time Adventure to her collection.
“I have raised £2,000 so far to help wildlife. It gives me a great sense of pride knowing I am not only making people happy with my stories but also helping animals.
“I write and self illustrate children’s books which have so far proven very popular not only in the UK but also Australia, New Zealand and even Japan!
“This is my favourite book but it has been my most challenging.
“I’ve had health problems which needed surgery, my fiancées computer went a bit crazy meaning that he couldn’t use it to continue with the editing, the intended publishers went out of business and we have had a lot of sadness in our family.
“We’ve tried remaining totally positive though and just cracked on with things as best we can.
“People ask me if after all this I’ll write another book….. of course I will!
“My stories make both children and adults happy and I’m helping animals with the profits.
“Making others happy makes me happy. I even love donating Christmas presents and this year I donated to Treetops hospice.
“Having my books in my lounge was the best Christmas present ever for me after such the hard struggle that it’s been to get them here!
“My fiancée, Simon, is amazing and I could never do these books without him.”
For more information how to get a Bushy book email: lovebushhog@aol.co.uk
COMPETITION!
We have a copy of Victoria’s new book, ‘Bush-Hog Tails: Bushy’s Nightime Adventure’, to give away.
To win answer the following question: Another famous hedgehog, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, was the creation of which author?
A) Enid Blyton
B) Beatrix Potter
C) Kenneth Grahame
Send your entries to Trevor Baxter by email to: trevor@localcommunications.co.uk or by post to: Units 3-4, 45 High Street, Uppermill, Saddleworth, OL3 6HS. The closing date for entries is Friday, February 2, 2018.
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