Do you have a suitable property for hedgehogs? There is an advantage to the hedgehogs, particularly adults, in returning to the area they were found as they will know the area, nest sites, water sources… which reduces the adjustment phase upon release. While many rescues return hedgehogs to their exact find spot, we carefully assess each case. If an area poses ongoing risks, such as traffic, dogs, or habitat loss, we relocate the hedgehog to a suitable, safe release site within a similar ecological region. This helps protect individual welfare and supports wider genetic diversity in wild populations. This means that we need a network of release sites across the county.
Release Site Criteria
We invest a large amount of time and effort into rehabilitating our hedgehogs and want to give them the best possible chance of survival upon release into the wild. We therefore assess each site carefully for suitability after carrying out a site feasibility study. It is important that our release sites meet with this criteria.
We look for:
- Evidence of any existing hedgehog population.
- A sustainable water supply.
- No badger activity at site or in the immediate surrounding area.
- Access to a larger area to roam
- suitable trees, foliage and vegetation that support a regenerative food source
- Urban and rural locations are equally essential.
Please only apply if you meet the above criteria