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Hugh Warwick, British Hedgehog Preservation Society trustee, and author of A Prickly Affair, is about to make a permanent statement as to his commitment to hedgehogs. He was lucky enough to be chosen as one of one hundred volunteers, each of whom is going to get a tattoo of one of one hundred endangered species from the UK.

Brain child of the anarchic artists collective, the Ultimate Holding Company, ExtInked is raising the profile of species listed by the Government under the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) by taking 100 of them, drawing images for each and recruiting both tattoo artists and recipients to gather for a unique tattooing experience.

“This will be my first, and last, tattoo,” said Hugh Warwick. “My wife thinks that it is evidence of a mid-life crisis, but it has to be better for hedgehogs than buying a sports car! I reckon I must the least likely candidate for a tattoo, author, ecologist and 43 years old – but then, if I can commit myself to conservation like this, surely anyone can.”

Hugh will be revealing his tattoo to the public for the very first time at a BHPS event in Bewdley, Worcestershire on Saturday 28th November starting at 7:30pm. The event entitled “How Hedgehogs Can Save the World!” will also include a talk by Hugh followed by a book signing. Tickets are just £5 and some are still available, please call 01584 890801.

Hedgehogs are recent additions to the UK BAP and despite still being widespread throughout the UK are under considerable pressure from development, intensive farming and increased road use. Hedgehog numbers have fallen by 40% over the last 25 years.

For more information on hedgehogs and how you can help them please see www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk