< PreviousSo named for their tendency to mimic a pig and root around in shrubs andundergrowth, the hedgehog is perhaps England’s most astounding animal. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/GRISHA BRUEVLincolnshirewildlife30-31_Layout 1 12/10/2015 15:47 Page 1With an average life span between4 and 7 years, hedgehogs are one of themost commonly associated animals with Britishwildlife. But what might not be as well-known is just howsurprising a creature it is. It’s most unusual behaviour –which even science can’t explain – is known as anointing.This involves the hedgie frothing at the mouth whenever itcomes into contact with a new scent and dousing its spines,of which it has around 5,000, incidentally. It also has a natural immunity to a variety of plant andsnake venoms, with some plucky hedgehogs braving adderbites for a meal. They make for surprisingly nimbleswimmers and adept climbers, so much so, they’ve beenknown to snuggle down in first floor bedrooms. The seaurchin was even named after the hedgehog, for any who’veever wondered. Although the hedgehog is a likely sight across most ofUK, and maintains an enduring fondness with gardeners,the spiny creature has a particular affinity with the people ofLincolnshire. One Appleby couple have recently added a hedgehogA&E wing to their animal rescue centre, along with its‘hutch hotels’ to house hedgehogs which can’t be releasedback into the wild. And they’re far from the only ones. TheHedgehog Care centre in Louth has been looking afterhedgies since 1980, and caters for anywhere between 50and 200-plus hedgehogs at any one time. Although known collectively as an array, the hedgehog istypically a solitary creature and only ever buddies up tomate. Ma and pa ‘hog are unlikely to ever cross pathsagain, and from three months old the hoglets are oldenough to fend for themselves. Hedgehogs are now classified as a priority species in theUK biodiversity action plan, and protected by law. As moredevelopments pave over their habitats, gardens arebecoming something of a safe haven. People are beingencouraged to help where possible, either by cuttinghedgie shaped holes in fences or by putting out plates ofcat food. The average garden is prime hedgehog country, withpiles of logs and black bags a particular favourite. As they’reroll up into a ball when spooked rather than tuck tail andrun, hedgehogs are in danger from cars, machinery andbonfires. When in doubt, have a good root around, it’stough to tell where a hedgie might be hiding. Although all species of hedgehogs hibernate, it doesdepend on food source and temperature, but traditionallythey will be active from April to around October andhibernate the rest of year. Anyone hoping to catch aglimpse had better hop to it. For now, hedgies will beputting on the last of their weight for winter, while the restof us try and shed the pounds for spring. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MIROSLAV HLAVKOLINCOLNSHIRETODAY31LINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFEWW30-31_Layout 1 12/10/2015 15:48 Page 232 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHIONELEGANCEIN AUTUMN As the chill of winter starts tosettle in, warmer clothes are amust, but the frosty nip on thewind gives ample opportunityto accessorise and layer up foreye-catching combinations.ELEGANCEIN AUTUMN 32-41_Layout 1 12/10/2015 16:31 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY33FASHIONThe Passport autumncollection combines thechic appeal of coldercolours with the invitingwarmth and comfort ofheavier materials. 32-41_Layout 1 12/10/2015 16:31 Page 234 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHION1) Basler:Ideal for chilly evenings, thisstriking and sophisticated coat from Baslercontrasts the rusty reds of autumn leavesfor maximum impact.2) Gerry Weber:For warmer mornings,Gerry Weber’s combinations are bothsensual and sensible.3) Marc Cain:Simplicity at its finest -Marc Cain put a touch of class on traditionfor a suit ideal for evening engagements. 4) Noa Noa: Audacious and arresting, thisis an outfit fit for any forecast.12332-41_Layout 1 12/10/2015 16:32 Page 3432-41_Layout 1 12/10/2015 16:32 Page 4132-41_Layout 1 12/10/2015 16:32 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRETODAY37FASHION1) Masai:With boots,scarf and coat this offeringfrom Masai is perfect forthe cold, and colouredwith the coolest of shades. 2) Ted Baker:Never oneto follow trends, Ted Bakerbrings a flash of green tokeep things vibrant all yearround. 3) LauRie:Proof thatelegance in autumn is onlyever a patterned jumperaway, LauRie pairaccessories for timelesschic appeal. 4) Marc Cain:A daub ofbright colour will whileaway the chill and drawthe eye. 5) Passport: Passportembrace winter with afrosty grey ensemble for acasual offering thatwouldn’t look out of placeat a lunch date. 245332-41_Layout 1 12/10/2015 16:32 Page 638 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHIONAutumnalaccessories 12With scarves, boots and gloves, autumnoffers much more opportunity to experimentwith accessories than the sunny months. 1) Bronx:Strong, functional and devastating, these boots fromBronx will make a statement paired with powder greys and blockblacks. 2) Ichi:The timeless appeal of leather is captured by Ichi for aspacious bag that’s an ideal companion for cardigans and coats. 3) Oilily:With its blanket texture, vibrant colour and length, thisoffering from Oilily is assured to provide warmth and panache. 4) Lafont: With almost a century bringing the utmost inelegance, Lafont put a touch of Parisian chic in every frame.Stylish and commanding, these glasses are available fromO’Brien’s Opticians, Brigg. www.obriensopticians.co.uk. 5) Tiffany & Co:Famed for their luxuriant and distinguisheddesigns, Tiffany & Co use the utmost in craftsmanship andbeautiful trimmings for a sophisticated range. Available fromO’Brien’s Opticians, Brigg. www.obriensopticians.co.uk. 6) Gant: Designed for snugness, Gant have gone the extra milefor a classy addition to an evening ensemble or just for a longmorning walk. 7) Gerry Weber:As the cold draws in, this offering from GerryWebber provides warmth with a style that’s perfect in time forwinter. Autumnalaccessories 32-41_Layout 1 12/10/2015 16:33 Page 7LINCOLNSHIRETODAY39FASHION3674532-41_Layout 1 12/10/2015 16:33 Page 8Next >