Gardeners told to build a 'highway' in their gardens this weekend

Conservation charity (WWF) is urging people to take a few minutes out of their schedule to make a few adjustments in their gardens - and this weekend could be the perfect time, before temperatures plummet.

Speaking about ways to make the garden more friendly to the local wildlife, the WWF wrote on its website: "Hedgehogs are easily one of the nation's favourite mammals, but it is estimated that hedgehog numbers have declined by 98 percent since the 1950s - they desperately need our help."

The organisation argued that, to help the small mammals, Brits could come together and create a "highway" through fenced gardens.

It said: "One way to help our beloved hedgehogs is to make a hedgehog highway through fenced gardens in your neighbourhood. Working with your neighbours you could create a clear pathway for your local hedgehog population so they don't get stuck in urban gardens!

"Hedgehogs can travel upwards of one mile per night, so having the ability to travel freely through our gardens hugely helps them go about their nightly business."

It could mean digging out some earth to expose an area between the lowest fence panel and the ground, or cutting out a hole, with enough space for a hedgehog to pass through.

A similar move may seem like a bit of effort for little gain, but it could make a difference to our declining population of hedgehogs and other small mammals.

This network of highways would allow hedgehogs to travel from garden to garden without having to take risky journeys over roads - a trip that has been the final one for so many of the popular spiky creatures due to the high road kill rate.

This small act will allow them greater choice when it comes to choosing a safe hibernation location too.

You should also be getting ready for the spring rush of amphibians when they seek out water courses such as garden ponds during the breeding season from late February to March.

The National Trust has shared a similar piece of advice, with a spokesperson explaining: "Don't lock out hedgehogs and frogs. Make sure your garden fences have some gaps at the bottom that can allow wildlife to move through from plot to plot. This will help link different habitats together."

More wildlife-friendly tips from the trust this autumn include adding a compost heap to your garden.

The spokesperson added: "A compost heap is a win-win: it gives you a way of turning waste into compost which will naturally enrich your soil, plus it may also provide a warm hiding place for many creatures including slow worms.

"To avoid attracting rats, never add bread or other cooked food."