Hedgehog rescuers' big event aims to help the spiky animal favourite
Hedgehog rescuers' big event aims to help the spiky animal favourite
A special event to help people look after hedgehogs will be held soon.
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Organised by Wath Hedgehog Rescue to mark its tenth anniversary, the event is at Wath Hall on Saturday, September 26, between 10.30am and 2.30pm.
The event is free but all money raised will be spent on food, medicine and equipment to support sick and orphaned hedgehogs.
People will have the chance to meet the Wath Hedgehog Rescue team.
A spokesperson for Wath Hedgehog Rescue said: “Native hedgehogs in the UK are considered an endangered species and we believe we all have a duty to do what we can to ensure that this delightful creature is around for future generations.
“In the 10 years of Wath Hedgehog Rescue, approaching 1,000 hedgehogs have been taken in, cared for and, when ready, released back into their local environment.
“The cost of rehabilitation for one hedgehog is ever increasing and is now between £50 and £100. This includes food, heating, fans, cleaning materials, medication (often requiring a vet’s prescription) and so on.”
In the 10 years of Wath Hedgehog Rescue, approaching 1,000 hedgehogs have been taken in, cared for and, when ready, released.
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Hedgehogs usually come into the rescue centre after being found in trouble by the public.
The spokesperson said: “Currently we are taking an average of 10 calls a day to our dedicated rescue number.
“This year has been the worst in memory for many rescues across the country and we have at times been completely full, despite having taken on new carers.
“So far in 2026 - up to mid-August - we have taken in 284 hedgehogs. This is about three times our usual number. 187 have been released back into the wild successfully and 71 are still in our care. The others were not able to be saved.
“The extreme hot and dry weather has had a big impact this year. The insects and other creepy-crawlies that form the natural food for hedgehogs have been in much shorter supply and many sources of drinking water have dried up.”
Contact Wath Hedgehog Rescue via Facebook.