While I congratulate Terry Pratchett, I was irritated by the tone of his recent article, asserting like so many others that our wildlife is on the verge of extinction. It smacks of hopelessness and I'm sure it does nothing to inspire people to become aware and take care of our environment and wild animals. A mood of despondency towards the environment is evident in every bag of litter left discarded in a country lane and every time somebody takes the convenient and tidy option of covering their garden with decking. If our countryside is being destroyed, if these animals are on the verge of extinction, then what's the use of one little act by one person?

Of course our wildlife has decreased as the human population has increased and there is less room for them to thrive. It's not rocket science, and doesn't need expensive enquiry. When people, houses and roads move in, wildlife is compromised. When those roads cover animals' paths and when people concrete their gardens and allow their cats to roam free, it becomes almost impossible for them to survive and the animals that can, move away. One of the most inspiring things about wild animals and nature is how any bit of habitat, any chance for life, any advantage, is taken tenacious hold of. A gap or two in the garden fence, and a hedgehog can extend his territory in safety. The shed door left open, an area of the garden left wild and young can be reared. Food for the birds means that more can be hatched, keeping our pets responsibly means that more will survive. Pick up that discarded rubbish and it's one less field mouse that will die stranded in a coke tin. Driving just a little slower means that fewer hedgehogs will be squashed.

We are animals too. We can sense their needs if we let ourselves and respond to them in little acts of sensitivity and caring. Plant a tree that birds like; keep puss indoors during the nesting period and so much more – simple little things!

The wildlife hospital is a wonderful thing and I thank God for organisations that champion the cause of wildlife. But the environment needs all of us to become aware – not in a mood of sentimentality and regret but with enjoyment and love of the world around us.