A spotlight on the Pembrokeshire ‘Hogspital’
We visited Pembrokeshire’s only hedgehog rescue centre to find out more about these endearing creatures.
Have you ever seen a hedgehog in your neighbourhood? When was the last time you spotted one? Chances are your sightings are few and far between.
Hedgehogs are loved by all who manage to see one. These spikey, nocturnal characters are in serious decline across Wales and the UK; numbers have dropped by 50% since the millennium.
They face many challenges as they encounter human activity:
- Road traffic accidents
- Strimming or mowing equipment
- Garden/football net entanglement
- Drainpipe entrapment
- Reduction in food due to insecticide use and climate change
- Dehydration due to climate change
- Dog attacks
- Fences/barriers
These challenges lead to over 200 hedgehogs being admitted to the rescue centre each year. The Pembrokeshire Hogspital was founded by Ginny and Russ of Sutton West Farm, near Haverfordwest. The non-profit organisation rescues and rehabilitates sick, injured or orphaned hedgehogs.
The ICU is within the couple’s farmhouse, meaning they can keep a close eye on the patients around the clock. The Primrose Ward is a purposefully built outbuilding in the garden, where hogs will be moved once they require less care before release.
This month has seen a baby boom at the ‘Hogspital’ with many females admitted, giving birth within the centre! Although this is a lovely surprise, it puts pressure on resources, with mums requiring more food to produce milk for a growing family.
Most of the time they can be released where they were found. Ginny meticulously finds appropriate homes for all the hedgehogs that are well enough to be released. She makes sure they have enough food, water and shelter as well as checking the area for possible dangers.
Click here for ten ways you can help wild hedgehogs in your community.