Hello, this is Jo from the Wild Bunch. Most of us wildlife gardeners will agree that hedgehogs are one of the UK’s most cherished garden visitors, but sadly, their numbers have been falling dramatically in recent years. Once common across our towns and countryside, hedgehogs now face increasing threats from habitat loss, busy roads, pesticides, and a lack of safe green spaces. Creating wildlife-friendly gardens with log piles, wild corners, and holes in fences to form “hedgehog highways” can make a big difference in protecting hedgehogs. Sadly, our favourite prickly garden visitors often get into trouble, and this is when specialist rescues step in to provide the lifeline they need.
That’s why the news from Prickles Hedgehog Rescue in Cheddar is so worrying. After 18 years of dedicated care, during which they have helped more than 8,000 injured and orphaned hedgehogs, Prickles is now facing closure. The sale of their building and ever-rising costs mean the future of this much-loved rescue centre hangs in the balance.
Prickles is far more than just a rescue. The team provides exceptional hands-on care, while also engaging local students and volunteers, offering learning opportunities and community involvement. Their work extends into research and conservation too. They’ve worked with the University of Bristol’s Veterinary School to support the long-term survival of hedgehogs across the region.
Losing Prickles would be a devastating blow not only for the hedgehogs who desperately need their help, but also for the people, young and old, who learn so much by being part of their work.
The Frome Wild Bunch is proud to celebrate organisations like Prickles, whose dedication to wildlife conservation makes a big difference. But right now, to continue their amazing work they need urgent support. Every donation, no matter how small, can help keep their doors open and ensure hedgehogs continue to receive the care they so urgently need.
If you’d like to help, please consider contributing to their fundraising appeal at https://www.gofundme.com/f/prickles-hedgehog-rescue-cheddar-from-closing.
The next Wild Bunch gathering will be a free talk on ‘Hugelkultur’ with Caroline from Frome Field 2 Fork, on Thursday 18th September from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at Frome Town Hall. Hugelkultur, or ‘hill culture’ is a gardening method where raised beds are created from decomposing wood and other organic materials to improve soil quality, provide long-term nutrients and resist drought. Book free tickets at https://bit.ly/hugelkultur-talk.
