Nestled in Wath, Rotherham lies a sanctuary dedicated to the care and conservation of one of Britain’s most beloved nocturnal creatures: the hedgehog.
Wath Hedgehog Rescue and Rehabilitation is more than just a refuge; it’s a beacon of hope for injured and distressed hedgehogs across the region.
Led by a team of passionate volunteers, including Ann Bailey, 63, of Hemingfield, Wath Hedgehog Sanctuary stands as a testament to the power of community-driven conservation efforts. Ann, a dedicated volunteer, shares insights into the sanctuary’s operations, highlighting the vital role it plays in hedgehog welfare.
The sanctuary, which runs solely on donations, operates with unwavering dedication, drawing upon expertise gained from a specialized hedgehog first aid course developed by Vale Wildlife Hospital. This knowledge equips volunteers with essential skills to provide immediate care and support to hedgehogs in need.
Ann emphasizes the importance of dispelling common misconceptions about hedgehog behavior.
“One prevalent myth is that hedgehogs found outdoors during daylight hours are injured,” Ann clarifies as partially true but not always indicative of harm. To address this, the sanctuary encourages individuals to contact them before assuming a hedgehog needs rescue.
Ann said: “During the summer months, when the day is longer, hedgehogs may come out earlier looking for food.”
If intervention is necessary and they seem injured, Ann advised placing the hedgehog in a secure, high-sided box with essentials like water, a heat source, and a towel or cover for them.
“If they are moving with purpose they are most likely the mums popping out for food or nesting material even when it’s during the day, but a sick hedgehog will seek the warmth of the sun as they become cold and start to shut down.
To help the public distinguish between the two, we say leave be if moving with purpose and heading back to a nest — and rescue if it’s anything else, as they are nocturnal and shouldn’t be out.”
Wath Hedgehog Sanctuary extends its care beyond basic first aid. Hedgehogs admitted often suffer from issues such as mange and dehydration and parasites. Mange can result in the hedgehogs losing their quills, which can take upward of 9 months to grow back. Through treatment, including hydration and parasite control, the sanctuary nurtures these spiky patients back to health before releasing them back into the wild where they belong.
Above all, the sanctuary emphasizes that hedgehogs are wild animals, not pets. Respect for their natural habitat and behaviors is paramount to their survival.
Wath Hedgehog Rescue and Rehabilitation operates as a charity, relying on the generosity of supporters to continue their vital mission.
In a world where wildlife faces increasing threats, sanctuaries like Wath Hedgehog Rescue and Rehabilitation serve as beacons of hope, advocating for the protection and conservation of these creatures.
Donate to them here at PayPal through the friends/family option (otherwise PayPal takes a cut): debsterh2@gmail.com
Find their Amazon wishlist here, and their TikTok account here.
