article_snippet: The number of hedgehogs in the country are estimated to have dropped 40 per cent in the last two decades.
article_snippet: Part of the reason that hedgehogs have decline so far is thought to be linked to the widespread loss of bushes and hedges, which have been replaced in many back gardens by hard wooden or metal fences.
article_snippet: The number of hedgehogs in the country are estimated to have dropped 40 per cent in the last two decades (file picture)
highlights_snippet: Hopes reserve will help slow the species' dramatic decline in last 20 years .
  
highlights_snippet: Prickly mammals' decline said to be linked to loss of bushes and hedges .