Hedgehog rescue urging caution around bonfires

The rescue is currently in the couple's garden, where they carry out first aid, treatment and rehabilitation to unwell, abandoned or injured hedgehogs

A hedgehog rescue centre preparing for an influx of cases urged caution ahead of bonfire night.

Rachel Matthews and her husband Dominic set up Deanshanger Hedgehog Rescue on the border of Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire in 2021 and look after about 250 of the creatures each year.

Mrs Matthews warned residents not to build bonfires too early, as a stack of logs, leaves, and other garden waste could appear inviting to a hedgehog looking to hibernate.

"Build it on the day and ideally, light it from one side so that if anything is in there, it has the chance to escape," she said.

October to November is the centre's second busiest period, and it often deals with a large number of dehydrated hedgehogs, which it can treat "quickly and effectively".

The influx of cases is not just down to bonfire night but due to the second hoglet season, which means hedgehogs are giving birth late in the season, whilst there's a scarce amount of food around.

Hedgehogs eat insects like beetles and caterpillars, which tend to be harder to find as the temperature drops.

Mrs Matthews said it was vital that people understood when a hedgehog needed to be rescued.

"No matter how well a hedgehog looks, if they are out in the day, there is something wrong with it, and you need to give us a call," she said.

The rescue was set up after the couple realised there were no rescue centres within an hour's drive when they found a hedgehog that was unwell.

Hedgehogs have been classified as vulnerable to extinction since 2020.

Fay Vass, CEO of The British Hedgehog Preservation Society, said one of the biggest reasons hedgehogs have declined 75% since 2000 is due to loss of habitat.

"All of us should be concerned that a pretty simple to please creature like the hedgehog is not managing to find what it needs to survive," she added.

'Biggest regional rescue'

The couple are currently trying to raise £50k to open a "hogspital" with more space to treat the creatures.

In the summer months - their busiest time - they have had to turn away hedgehogs in need due to capacity.

Mr Matthews said the aim is to be the biggest regional rescue centre for hedgehogs and other wildlife, and not have to turn anyone away.

Mrs Matthews added: "When you have really poorly hedgehogs come in and then they get to the point of being released... that's what drives you."