The latest reports suggest numbers have fallen by as much as 50 per cent since 2000, and it is believed there are now fewer than one million hedgehogs in Britain. Rough estimates agree the population was around 30 million in the 1950s. ​Surveys indicate the prickly animals are disappearing more quickly in the countryside, as hedgerows and woodland areas are lost to intensive farming and depleting land space.

I found a hedgehog What do I do?

Founding Member the late Mr Frank Tett "Andrew's Hedgehog Hospital is an approachable rescue and wildlife rehabilitation and release centre based in North Lincolnshire committed to the welfare and survival of hedgehogs in Britain. "

The practice is carried by a dedicated team of volunteers and veterinary staff who rehabilitate and care for injured or diseased animals prior to releasing them back into the wild.

Hedgehogs are regularly taken into care after being reported as injured, or unwell once discovered by caring members of the public. Emergency cases requiring surgery are immediately admitted to our A&E where they are treated by our volunteer veterinary staff.  Other hedgehogs are tested and treated for known diseases and then administered with the appropriate medications.

Co-op fundraiser presentation

Each and every animal is carefully assessed and checked for known diseases after laboratory testing of faeces samples.

Education and awareness to young people are of major importance when training our volunteers.

Hedgehogs are administered with the necessary medicines and care to suitably house them until they are fit for release back into the wild.

Once the hedgehogs are reviewed as being fit and well, and after spending suitable time in our care ward, they are moved to a pre-release sanctuary known as "The village". Although still under care, they are treated with as little contact with people as possible so they can adapt themselves back to life in the wild.

And finally, what it's all about. The grand release back into the wild.

Our Patrons

Dr. Andrew Spencer Whitaker MB, ChB, DRCOG, MRGP