Brockworth Hedgehog Rescue appeals for volunteers

Volunteers at the centre help care for sick and injured hedgehogs

A hedgehog rescue centre is looking for more volunteers to help look after the influx of animals in their care.

Despite a decline in the hedgehog population nationally, the Brockworth Hedgehog Rescue Centre in Cheltenham says it is rescuing more and more.

Vicki Oliver, manager of the rescue centre, blames the heightened intake on predators and a loss of hedgerows.

"We just want somebody that's got a passion really, not just for hedgehogs, but for wildlife," she said.

The State of Britain's Hedgehogs report found numbers are down in rural areas by between 30% and 75% since 2000.

Ms Oliver, who founded the centre, says it took in 152 hedgehogs in 2014 when it was founded. By 2023, the number had risen drastically to 716.

The centre currently has 15 hedgehogs requiring constant care from volunteers

"We are certainly having more hedgehogs coming in year-on-year," she said.

"Our hedgerows aren't always there like they used to be, but also things like predations.

"Obviously badgers are their main predator, but they can also be affected by things like otters, minks, stoats, and weasels," she added.

Ms Oliver said members of the public could help to slow the decline in wild hedgehogs by calling the centre for help, and provided her top tips on assessing when the animal needs their care.

"One of the main signs is them being out during the day, however that can be affected by pregnant and feeding females," she said.

Ms Oliver said "it's all about keeping them warm, contained, and somewhere quiet"

"If they're slow, they're not moving, they're wobbling, or if they've got flies around them and generally look skinny and unwell, then they need to come into the rescue.

"If it's showing signs of illness then pop it into a tall-sided box, because they are really good climbers, with a warm hot water bottle and some newspaper, maybe a towel it can hide in." she added.

Sarah, who has volunteered for the centre for the past 18 months, said she finds the work "therapeutic".

She said volunteer responsibilities include collecting sick or injured hedgehogs, daily health checks and weighing, cleaning out cages, and giving them fresh food and water.

Baby hedgehogs can often become prey to otters and weasels

"It is very fulfilling and will certainly add something very good to your life," said Sarah.

"It just makes you more aware of wildlife all around you, so do it. Give it a try!"

Ms Oliver said the centre is looking for volunteers over the age of 18, who "want to make a difference."