[dropcap type=”circle”]A[/dropcap] Neston based hedgehog rescue centre is the focus of an urgent fundraising appeal.
Wirral Hedgehog Rescue was established in Neston in 2005 by Caroline Howe. What began as six hedgehogs being cared for in her dining room soon expanded to two adapted sheds that can look after up to 150 of the spiky but loveable critters.
After more than a decade saving sick and injured hogs Caroline reached the difficult decision to pass the baton to someone else. That’s when the team at Wirral Animal Sanctuary stepped in, aiming to take over Hedgehog Rescue while raising money with which to create their own premises. The handover is scheduled for May 1 and already volunteers are learning about the hogs and completing a course in Hedgehog First Aid.
Caroline told Heswall Today, “Right now the Rescue Centre is absolutely full which just shows that there is a need for the service it offers. After 11 years I need to slow down a bit but stay involved, so it’s great that Wirral Animal Sanctuary are here to build on what I started and help protect an important species that’s under threat.”
The plan is to transfer the hedgehogs from Caroline’s back yard to a new site. Wirral Animal Sanctuary has suitable land but no money with which to build facilities. Therefore an appeal has been launched to raise £8000. 25% of the money will go to the Sanctuary’s general running costs such as printing and advertising, while the remainder will be spent on the new hedgehog hospital.
Steph Oliver from Wirral Animal Sanctuary said, “ Our team are all huge admirers of Caroline’s work and when we saw that she needed help, we had to step in. We are so excited to be able to be part of Wirral Hedgehog Rescue, ensuring that the organisation continues, while still fundraising for our own sanctuary. Caroline’s volunteers are going to be staying on to help us and we can’t wait to join their team.”
Some may consider this all a little twee, but the work is important. The British hedgehog population is in dramatic decline. Causes include the loss of grasslands and the use of herbicides and pesticides.
If you are interested in supporting this work and ensuring that Wirral Hedgehog Rescue lives on, why not visit the Save Wirral Hedgehog Rescue gofundme page: https://www.gofundme.com/mrrx8mv8
A hedgehog who asked not to be identified told Heswall Today, “Every little helps.”
';
