WHEN it comes to a quintessential English garden the hedgehog is a key component.

But wildlife experts now believe the cute little critters could be wiped out within 10 years.

Changing weather patterns and chain link fences have been highlighted as two reasons why the spikey creatures could disappear from our gardens completely by 2025.

But Angela Squires, who founded Crash Hedgehog Hospital in Poole, said poisonous slug pellets are the number one threat to the animals in the Dorset area.

“I have been caring for hedgehogs for 23 years and can usually save them from any injury but there is absolutely nothing I can do to battle poison,” said Angela, 70.

“The issue is people will buy slug pellets which contain metaldehyde which is a very dangerous poison for wildlife including hedgehogs.

“It’s a horrible death for the little critters and is sadly the main reason why children will only see them in story books in 10 years' time.”

Wildlife experts met in Surrey this week to discuss ways to prevent extinction of the much-loved critters.

But according to Angela if people would only buy a different slug pellet then thousands of the creatures could be saved.

“There’s still time to save these lovely animals but once they hit the endangered list that’s it,” she added.

“The numbers have dwindled dramatically in the last decade and now there are less than one million hedgehogs left in the world.

“They have already completely disappeared from West Moors and Ferndown and unless people change their ways they will completely disappear from the whole of Dorset.”

Angela is also warning people to look out for hedgehogs on Bonfire Night.

“Hedgehogs get burned alive every year because they hibernate in bonfires thinking it’s a safe place to sleep the winter away,” she explained.

“It takes around three days for the hoglet to come round enough to be able to move its limbs. So the hedgehog will be able to smell the smoke and feel the heat of the fire but it can’t do anything to save itself.

“Please dismantle the bonfire the day before lighting and check at the bottom for hibernating hogs then rebuild the bonfire next to the original place. That’s the only way you can be sure it’s safe.”

If you find an injured hedgehog contact Angela at the hospital on 01202 699358.