Hi James
You are lucky seeing a stoat, although stoats are included in the list of potential predators of hedgehogs http://www.wildlifeonline.me.uk/hedgehogs.html#predators .
I imagine they would only take them when they are very small.
Re. the hog who keeps to the edge. Some hogs are just naturally more timid, so I wouldn’t automatically assume that it was a stranger. I don’t think it’s as straightforward as that. You may not be too late to see a Mum and babies this year – keep watching!
Hope you are enjoying the book.
