Lowton Hedgehog Rescue
Irene Thomson runs Lowton Hedgehog Rescue and rehabilitates hedgehogs and hoglets that are injured, poorly, or orphaned.
Irene started her rescue centre over 8 years ago after finding one herself that needed help. She took it to a rescue and then became involved in the vital work needed to save this species as it is in serious decline in this country. By setting up her own rescue and attending numerous wildlife courses with Vale Wildlife Hospital and the RSPCA, Irene has saved hundreds of hedgehogs, with the support of local vets, and released them back to wild as healthy animals so that they can continue to be your ‘garden visitors’.
There are lots of ways to ‘be careful’ with your garden environment in order to make sure your visiting hogs do not need a ‘rescue’ and can roam, foraging and nest naturally and safely.
Strimmers and Mowers
When your garden gets a bit out of hand many people reach for the strimmer. But how often do you actually check what’s in that long grass before you start? Please use the handle of a broom, or even your foot, to check for hedgehog nests.
Compost Heaps
Before turning over your compost heap by thrusting a fork into it, just remember there could be a hedgehog or a mother and babies nesting in there.
Slug Pellets
Please avoid using slug pellets. There are plenty of other ways to stop slugs i.e. beer traps, garlic wash, and many other natural means of control which are available.
Ponds, Drains, Holes
Any hole filled with water or capable of filling with water is dangerous. If there is nothing for them to use to get out of the water, they will drown.
If you have a pond with straight sides please add planting baskets near to the edge, or stacks of bricks/stones under the water level, or build a ramp of wood/logs.
Cover any holes and ALWAYS cover open drains.
Litter and Garden Rubbish
Litter is a killer and not just of hedgehogs. Hedgehogs can get into things with no problem, but when then try to back out their spines lock into place and they can’t move, any hog in this situation will starve to death if it’s not found. Please put your litter in a bin.
Netting (for fruit/flowers/games)
Please make sure all garden netting is stretched tight and has a 6” gap from the ground to allow hedgehogs to pass safely underneath it.
If you do find a hedgehog trapped in netting, cut the hog free from the main net but do not try to release it completely. Please take the hog and the netting to a vet for it to be removed. Tight netting will cut off the blood supply and releasing a hog without having it checked can cause further complications.
Fencing
If you buy new fencing with concrete bases this will mean hedgehogs cannot get in or out of your garden and you will have blocked their normal foraging route. Many companies now supply concrete panels with holes already cut into them or would be happy to do this for you.
Dog Attacks
Even if your dog is normally placid and friendly they may still attack a hedgehog. Never assume the hog is ok because of its spines as the bite of a dog can crush and cause internal injuries, broken bones and may even piece/tear the hog’s skin and cause wounds. Please get both your dog and the hedgehog to a vet because those spines can damage the dog’s mouth as well. At night you could put the lead on your dog and this way both hedgehogs and dogs will be safe.
