A Porthleven hedgehog rescue is asking you to leave one thing out

A bowl of water sounds like nothing. For a hedgehog in this dry spell, it can be the difference between surviving the night and not.

The people behind Porthleven Harbour Hedgie Rescue have put out a simple request to anyone with a garden, a yard, or even a doorstep. The ground has baked hard and dry, wildlife is struggling to find water, and a shallow bowl left outside could save a life.

A plea for water and food

The advice is to put out shallow bowls of fresh water and keep them topped up. Right now the hedgehogs are leaning on human kindness more than usual, and clean water is the thing they need most.

Food helps too. Cat or kitten biscuits, or wet cat or dog food, left out at dusk will give the hoggies a hand. When the ground is this hard they cannot dig for insects, so a little extra at the right time of day makes a real difference.

The rescue also thanked everyone who has been in touch about hedgehogs in need and acted on the advice given, saying those people are the reason so many hoggies are getting a second chance.

The hoggies in care

Alongside the plea came the latest update from behind the scenes.

Marti Mushroom

Marti Mushroom has been a worry. It took what the carer called “a million faecal samples” before a single fluke egg finally turned up, and that was all that was needed to get treatment going. Marti then gained a remarkable 38g overnight and picked up the star award for it.

Redwing from Rinsey

Redwing came in from Rinsey and is not far off release now. The ringworm has been stubborn, but the corner looks to have been turned at last.

Tanits and her hoglets

Tanits has left her nest only once since her hoglets arrived, which is exactly what the rescue wanted to see. A hedgehog mum gives herself over completely to her babies in those first few days, so staying put is a very good sign.

The Newlyn trio

And then there is the Newlyn trio, three hedgehogs the carer fondly branded her “little time wasters.” Fast asleep, not a care in the world, and with absolutely no intention of entertaining anyone. As the rescue put it, Sundays are for snoozing.