During the summer we reported about the danger posed by the chemical metaldehyde, present in a number of the slug pellets being sold in supermarket chains. Wildlives is now calling for a ban of this product for both domestic and agricultural use.

There is no antidote for metaldehyde poisoning and not only does this pose a serious threat to wildlife, the chemical is also being washed into rivers as a direct result of agricultural use. Current drinking water treatment does not remove metaldehyde and up to 100 times the EU limit for drinking water has been found in the Stour and Colne catchment areas.

In October two beautiful, pregnant female hedgehogs came to Wildlives with slug pellet poisoning. As they were pregnant the centre tried to support them but both females aborted their foetuses before dying themselves.

. This is only the tip of the iceberg because so many will die before they can be brought into rescue centres. Please support Wildlives in calling for this lethal poison to be banned. The petition is online at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/70771

The seal pup we reported on last month, who became known as Thrupenny Bit, has been moved to East Winch and is making good progress. She is in with another pup of the same size and age.

The centre admitted a second seal last month, following a call from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue. The seal, from the Walton backwaters, was found on the beach in East Mersea with injuries around the face and all over the body. Wildlives carried out all the emergency care - re-hydration, temperature control and wound treatment - until she was stable and could be transferred to East Winch.

Remember, bonfire piles provide the perfect nesting environment for hedgehogs. Please check them carefully for sleeping hedgehogs before lighting and if possible re-site the entire pile before it is lit. If this isn't an option then use broom handles to lift from the base of the pile and shine torches underneath to check for any signs of life.

Hedgehogs are also still giving birth due to late second litters. This means there are juveniles that won't survive the winter - any hedgehog out in daylight and any small hedgehog must be brought to the centre. If you find one juvenile, it is likely that there are more about as litters tend to be between 4-6.