Page 107 - BBC Wildlife Volume 36 #12

OURWILD WORLD

WORKING FOR NATURE

RosieBishopandCarolCook

Hedgehog rescue, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire

All over the

world, devoted
individuals are

doing their bit by
Hog heroes:
volunteering Carol (left) and
to be involved Rosie (right) have
the capacity to
with wildlife. look after up to
24 hedgehogs at
Jo Price meets any given time.

two women who
are rehabilitating

hedgehogs in

two counties.

S Hedgehogs

seem to bring
out the best
R osie Bishop gently usually close to where they were found. How you
examines a tiny, 180g hedgehog in in people. T If the release site no longer exists, is near can help...
her hands, on the doorstep of her a busy road or if there is a risk of a dog
home. “I’ll get her on a heat mat, attack, the healthy mammal is set free Three ways you
administer warm fluids and carry in one specially chosen site where local can get involved:
out microscopy testing once I have a faecal sample to residents have created hog-friendly habitat and keep Hedgehog Street
see if she has a parasitic overburden,” she explains. an eye on their nocturnal visitors. “Hedgehogs seem Becomeahedgehog
“I can then decide on the most appropriate treatment to bring out the best in people,” says Rosie. championby
and monitor her progress.” “A survey we conducted at this site revealed the encouragingyour
This lucky hog was found wandering around during population is increasing after years of limited activity,” neighbourstocreate
the day near a busy road and is one of seven prickly adds Carol. “We’ve recently found another suitable hedgehoghighwaysand
residents currently in Rosie’s care. “Hogs need to be at release site near this one and hope to establish a safe recordyoursightings
least 600g to survive hibernation,” says Rosie. “This wildlife corridor for the animals in the future.” onthisonlinemap:
one won’t make it through the winter if she is released When they’re not caring for sick and injured hogs, hedgehogstreet.org
now so we need to look after her until the spring.” Rosie and Carol spend their time raising awareness
The trainee pharmacy dispenser established Hobo’s of hedgehog conservation through talks and events. Garden for nature
Hedgehog Rescue in 2015 and 18 months later she was “We encourage people to establish hedgehog Createahog-friendly
joined by her friend, Carol Cook. They met at a local highways, avoid using slug pellets and garden for habitatwithtoptipsfrom
Wounded Badger Patrol meeting and found they shared nature,” says Carol. “The situation is critical so if theBritishHedgehog
a passion for helping wildlife. Today, the dedicated duo everyone does a little bit to help, that adds up.” PreservationSociety:
run two hedgehog hospitals in the Forest of Dean and Successful releases, especially of the hand-reared britishhedgehogs.
the Wye Valley, with the support of 10 volunteers and hoglets, are the proudest moments for the women. org.uk
three veterinary practices that provide expertise. “Keeping these young orphans alive when they come
“We have lost around 30 per cent of the population into us is a constant challenge,” says Rosie. “It is a Dedicate your time
since 2002,” says Carol, who has a background in happy ending when we can return them to the wild.” Getintouchwithyour
veterinary nursing. “They’re not going to be around localhedgehogrescue
Oliver Edwards if we don’t do something about it.” The passionate Hedgehog Rescue visit: facebook.com/HobosHogs centretofindouthow
pair rescue injured, sick and underweight hedgehogs,
FIND OUT MORE For information on Hobo’s
youcanhelpsickand
rehabilitate them and release them back into the wild,
injured hogs in your area.
December 2018 BBC Wildlife 107