By Ann Winney, Hurst Hedgehog Haven

Hello dear hoggy friends! We have been so busy - last year, we rescued 289 hedgehogs, but we had a nasty virus to contend with. It was a sort of Covid for hedgehogs and we had lots that didn’t make it, but we are starting to see a few build up immunity. We have been very lucky with the kindness of our supporters; we raised funds for a new incubator, just switched on for a new arrival as I type, and also a lovely new silent nebuliser.

Grants generously donated from the Sayers Common Community Shop and Burgess Hill Town Council will really help us pay for vets and medications. We became a charity last year, which was a lot of paperwork, as you can imagine. This year seems to be full of talks and events: coming up in Hurst is a talk to the Woodland Flora & Fauna on Wednesday 15th April, in the Village Centre at 7.30pm.

The hog that has just arrived is one of what will be many little ones that have struggled to make it through the winter, it was out in the day, which is not good as they are nocturnal. I am sure, like me, your green fingers are getting rather itchy, but STOP!

There are lots of insects in those dead stems and there could be a sleeping hedgehog in that leaf pile. And before you go forth with the strimmer, please check before you start. Clean and top up water bowls, put out some food as this will help them as they wake up from the winter. I hope to see you at one of our talks or information stands.