Urgent Call for Hedgehog Release Sites Across Cornwall

Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue is seeking new hedgehog release sites across Cornwall as admissions continue to rise. The rescue centre is urging local residents to step forward and help give rehabilitated hedgehogs the best chance of survival in the wild.

Why More Release Sites Are Needed

As the number of hedgehog admissions climbs, Prickles and Paws is finding it increasingly challenging to return these animals to their original locations. Ideally, hedgehogs are released back where they were found, but this is not always safe or possible. In such cases, the rescue relies on its network of carefully chosen release sites around the county.

Prickles and Paws puts a lot of effort into rehabilitating hedgehogs and is very selective when it comes to picking release sites. These locations must meet strict criteria to ensure the hedgehogs have the best chance of survival in the wild.

What Makes a Suitable Release Site?

The charity has outlined a set of requirements for anyone interested in offering their land as a hedgehog release site. The primary requirement is that the site already has a healthy and active hedgehog population. Prickles and Paws cannot introduce enough hedgehogs to repopulate an area, so an existing population is critical.

Other important criteria include:

• No badger activity in or near the site.
• At least one hedgehog nest box, ideally more, to provide shelter.
• Access to larger roaming areas – enclosed gardens are not suitable.
• The ability to collect hedgehogs from the rescue centre within 24-48 hours.

Both urban and rural locations are welcome to apply, but there is a particular need for sites in Penzance, Marazion, Falmouth, Helston, Hayle, Newquay, Mevagissey, St Austell, Bodmin, and Liskeard.

How to Apply

Prickles and Paws has made it easy for interested parties to apply to become a release site. Applications can be submitted through the charity’s website, where more information on the criteria can also be found.

Click here to apply to become a hedgehog release site.

Residents who meet the requirements and are passionate about supporting local wildlife are encouraged to apply and help give these much-loved animals a second chance at life.