Since 2010, Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue (SPHR) has been working to help bring back the decimated hedgehog population in the U.K. And now the organization is taking their work a step further with the introduction of the Chelsea Hedgehog Garden, a space created specifically for hedgehogs unable to return to the wild because of a disability.
“They have great fun in there and they like rolling around in the mud,” Paula Baker, chair of trustees told the BBC. “We have three hedgehogs in there which are completely blind, but they are very happy and we monitor them all the time.”
Harry & Star, both blind, sharing a plate of food (Courtesy of Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue)
SPHR, which is entirely volunteer-run, has two “hogspitals” — Emergency Admittance and Treatment and an Intensive Veterinary Care Unit. They also have a safe space for hibernating hedgehogs, which they call “Hoggie Lodge.”
But the SPHR team is especially excited about their latest endeavor, which includes Chelsea Hedgehog Garden as well as a separate wilderness space. They are hopeful the new site will help improve the U.K.’s hedgehog population, which research shows has declined 75% in rural areas since 2000.
Thankfully, there are many actions the average person can take to help the prickly creatures not only survive, but thrive.
“Start with a hole in the fence so hoggies can access the garden,” Baker told Lady Freethinker. “Create a much more friendly garden for wildlife so that there are lots of bugs for hedgehogs to eat and lots of places for them to find natural nesting materials.”
She also encourages responsible gardening by removing any netting hedgehogs could get caught in and being extra cautious when using lawnmowers and trimmers.
Baker says one of the biggest issues they see at the hogspitals is malnourished hedgehogs from lack of food. Aside from creating a more bug-friendly garden, people can further help by leaving food and water out for hedgehogs.
Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue recently received a well-deserved BBC Make a Difference Animal Award for its outstanding and unwavering commitment to helping sick, injured, and disabled hedgehogs. Lady Freethinker commends SPHR for their dedication and hard work for animals.
