Firstly, if you think you have seen a hedgehog in trouble please ring British Hedgehog Preservation Society on 01584 890801, or a vet, who will take him or her from you and usually don’t charge and have their list of rehabbers.
Since the last publication there has been a lot happening and we hope all readers are safe and well in this current crisis. Joan,Viv and myself have been very busy because of baby season. We have successfully hand reared hoglets that have been orphaned, they are all fighting fit and nearly ready to go home once they have reached the minimum 500 grams in weight for this time of year.
Because of covid19, all fundraising has been curtailed and our last event was early March arranged by Katie and Lorraine, if it wasn’t for that one we would have been struggling for food for our babies. May I take this opportunity to thank my friends Valerie and Karen, neighbours Jackie and Ty, Jane,Tom and Hannah-May for donations that I have been able to sell at a very new car boot sale recently, this is a socially distanced car boot sale not too far from here. The support for this rescue has been amazing and very much appreciated.
Now, more seriously, some weeks ago a lovely lady saved a hedgehog, this little hog was being tormented by some young children poking him with a stick until Natalie Parkin and Vivienne stepped in and picked him up, he was brought here, checked over and re released in our garden which is a much kinder environment, he also has company of other hogs. Can I express to readers that animal cruelty is a criminal offence under the wildlife act which results in prosecution for offenders. These beautiful mammals have quite enough to contend with as it is, also parents should be aware of their children’s whereabouts and what they are doing when unattended.
Can I also ask readers to refrain from slug pellets, pesticides, strimmers, football and garden nets and ponds that aren’t covered when not in use, these are all hedgehog killers. We have to take full responsibility for the decline of the numbers in this country which is all avoidable, these little ones are every gardens saving grace because they will eat your resident garden pests at no cost at all. Thank you.
Joan,Viv and Maxine.
Prickly Haven Hedgehog Rehabbers
