A brand-new wildlife facility in Newquay is giving hedgehogs a much better chance at survival.
The team behind Prickles & Paws Hedgehog Rescue has officially opened a larger, upgraded rehabilitation centre, allowing them to care for even more animals in need.
From Backyard Rescue To Full “Hogspital”
The charity originally operated from the director’s mum’s garden — but growing demand quickly made expansion necessary.
Now, thanks to around £300,000 raised through donations and fundraising, the new centre at Carnanton can treat up to 1,400 hedgehogs every year.
“We never want to turn away a hedgehog,” said director Katy South. “This new building means we don’t have to.”
Advanced Care For Tiny Patients
The upgraded facility includes everything needed to treat and rehabilitate injured hedgehogs from start to finish.
Key features include:
- 14 incubators
- A specialist oxygen incubator
- Dedicated pre-release areas
This means hedgehogs can now receive full care on-site — from emergency treatment to recovery and eventual release back into the wild.
Why So Many Hedgehogs Need Help
The number of hedgehogs needing rescue continues to rise across Cornwall and even nearby Devon.
One of the biggest dangers comes from everyday garden tools.
At this time of year, many hedgehogs are injured by strimmers and lawn equipment.
Because their natural defense is to curl into a ball rather than run away, they’re especially vulnerable.
“We currently have hedgehogs in with strimmer injuries,” co-founder Diane South explained.
How People Can Help
The rescue team is encouraging the public to take simple steps to protect hedgehogs:
- Check long grass before using strimmers
- Move piles of leaves or debris carefully
- Stay alert for hidden wildlife in gardens
A Lifeline For A Declining Species
With hedgehog populations under pressure, facilities like this play a crucial role in conservation.
Thanks to community support and dedication, this new “hogspital” is already making a difference — giving hundreds of injured hedgehogs a second chance at life. 🦔💚