Epsom and Ewell MP Chris Grayling has been appointed “species champion” for one of Britain’s favourite native animals - the hedgehog.

Emily Wilson, of the Hedgehog Street campaign, said: “We are thrilled to have Mr Grayling’s support for hedgehogs in Government. Hedgehogs are in rapid decline, and the campaign was set up to try and help protect them. With support from Westminster and having the minister championing the conservation and protection of this iconic species, we believe that hedgehogs have a fighting chance.”

The Species Champion initiative, led by the RSPB, sees MPs from across the UK championing various species, from mammals, fish and reptiles to trees and wildflowers.

Mr Grayling said: “Surveys by hedgehog experts tell us that we have lost over a third of all our hedgehogs in the past decade. And they are still declining. The reasons for their decline are complex, but I hope to be able to promote the conservation of this animal in Government and see hedgehog numbers back on the rise once again.”

Hedgehog Street was set up in 2011 by wildlife charities the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and People’s Trust for Endangered Species.

More than 46,000 volunteers have signed up to help save Britain’s favourite mammal, whose populations have declined by at least half in rural areas and by up to a third in urban areas since 2000.