Hedgehog rescue centre nearing completion
BBCA purpose-built hedgehog rescue centre costing £290,000 is nearing completion, bosses say.
Hedgehogs rescued by the Prickles and Paws charity, in Cornwall, have been cared for in the back garden of founder Diane South.
But a fundraiser, which has been match-funded, has meant a dedicated rescue centre on a plot of land at Carnanton, near Newquay, is being built.
Charity co-founder and rescue director Katy South said: "The new 'hogspital', which is in the final stages of construction, will substantially increase the charity's current capacity for hedgehog admissions and care." Work is expected to be completed in January.
Ms South said in 2023 they cared for "a record 1,428 sick, injured, or orphaned hedgehogs, an impressive achievement given the charity's current residential location".
"This new hedgehog hospital will allow our team to expand and enhance operations, supporting many more hedgehogs in need.
"Hedgehogs don't solidly hibernate for months on end.
"They will periodically wake to relieve all those physiological pressures that hibernation puts on their body.
"Our main point of concern is when they start appearing outside during the day, as a nocturnal animal any daytime activity is a cause for concern," she said.
John Lewis, charity CEO, said: "In addition to expanding operations, the new 'hogspital' is purposely designed to be sustainable, both in terms of the charity's future, and its environmental impact.
"Solar panels and battery storage will help us to cut our carbon footprint, and is expected to give us significant savings on our energy bills, streamlining our outgoings and enabling us to prioritise animal care," he said.
The charity said a fundraiser was match-funded by BA Better World Community Fund – Planet.
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