Welcome to Wyre Forest Hedgehog Rescue, a self funded voluntary organisation.

Statistics show that the hedgehogs of Britain are dying out. Unfortunately last year had been a disaster for autumn hedgehog juveniles. According to latest Government ‘British Mammals Report’ Hedgehogs face extinction within seventeen years. The main issues are lack of food and water as people are now keeping tidy gardens robbing hedgehogs of hibernation hideaways. Climate change has also caused problems with hedgehogs now having later litters which have no way of surviving winter as they are too underweight to hibernate. A simple hedgehog house and a regular supply of food and water in your garden will certainly postpone the extinction of these wonderful creatures.

We have always had a passion for hedgehogs. For years we have fed them and watched them in our garden. As our interest grew we decided to take this 'hobby' a step further and looked into caring for sick and injured hedgehogs ourselves. We contacted the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and we were added to their carers list, with lots of support and advice from other carers, & Kay Bullen at The Hedgehog Helpline we formed our own organisation, based in Kidderminster, Wyre Forest Hedgehog Rescue.

Often by the time a hedgehog finds its way to us it will be very ill, lots of time and effort will be needed to help the hedgehog recover.  We provide rehabilitation and pay for veterinary care with the aim of releasing all hedgehogs back into the wild once they are well enough to fend for themselves.  When a hedgehog is not able to return to the wild, a secure garden will be found where the hedgehog can lead as natural a life as possible.

Due to the costs involved, we needed to expand our efforts and raise funds so that we could take in more casualties and orphans.  We attend &  fundraise at various local events and car boot sales to cover the costs of food, veterinary treatment and housing.  The majority of hedgehogs that come in will require at least one trip to the vet, some will need long term treatment.  Looking after hedgehogs can be costly, we can go through many tins of dog/cat food and biscuits in a week!  Last year alone we helped and cared for nearly 50 hedgehogs, over 70% were successfully re- released back into the wild. Unfortunately, some were so badly injured they were put to sleep by our vet as to end their suffering. Others which came in were so poorly no matter what treatment they received they would not respond and sadly gave up.

If you find a sick or injured hedgehog, it is essential to keep it warm. If possible put it in a high sided box, wrap it in a towel, put it on a warm water bottle (not hot) and contact your local rescue centre or carer, if you cannot get through straight away then the hedgehog should be taken to your local vet, they should give basic emergency treatment free of charge, please do not leave the hedgehog to suffer. If you are not able to get to a vets, please contact us and we will see what we can suggest or do.

Sometimes we have hedgehogs which need re-homing, if you are interested please contact us. A hedgehog fact sheet can be downloaded from Hog Watch by clicking here There are many hedgehog 'carers' all over the country. A list of which can be found on the British Hedgehog Preservation Society's website which can be found  at  http://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/ 

Please leave a bowl of water outside during these hot conditions, especially at night, not only will it help hedgehogs but also other wildlife as well.