Hurst Hedgehog Haven 'really busy' as weather intensifies
As hedgehogs prepare to hibernate this October and November, severe weather is creating dangerous conditions for local wildlife.
Hurst Hedgehog Haven based in Mid Sussex’s Hurstpierpoint have said to be ‘really busy’ as Storm Austen hits.
Set up in 2017, the organisation aims to encourage residents of Mid Sussex to be ‘a little more hedgehog friendly’.
The charities founder, Ann Winney explained how harsh weather conditions can be life-threatening for the little creatures.
“We have been really busy with little juvenile hedgehogs, they need to be at lease 550g before the winter really sets in”, said Anne.
"It’s been a tough year for hedgehogs with a lack of water and food during the summer and as the stormy season hits little ones can easily get washed out of their nests, they quickly become cold and hungry.”
Hedgehogs often hibernate towards the end of autumn due to prevailing weather conditions and their food (such as beetles and caterpillars) being much harder to access.
Therefore the extreme weather experienced across Sussex over the summer period and the ongoing storm could make their hibernation period particularly tough.
Ann listed some advice for caring for the little creatures. She said: “As they are nocturnal by nature being out in the day is not ok, so any one finding a hedgehog out in the day needs to get help ASAP, wearing gloves pick them up put them in a box or bucket with an old towel, keep them quiet and call for advice.
"Please don’t worry about giving them food as they need to be warm before we can feed them.
"Even if you are not sure please call for advice.”
You can contact Hurst Hedgehog Haven at 07787 515296 or on their website https://www.hursthedgehoghaven.co.uk/.