Woodlands , an independent animal sanctuary based in Holmeswood, Rufford, is well known for its work with hedgehogs. It started in a very small way in the winter of 2009/10 and since then Woodlands has handled more than 5,000 of these amazing spikey animals with around 70- 75% having been successfully released back into the wild.

Hot summer days are something that most people look forward to and enjoy , however for the poor hedgehogs this hot summer is proving to be anything but enjoyable.

At the moment the Sanctuary is taking in many sick and injured hedgehogs. On Sunday two hedgehogs were admitted with serious injuries to their back legs, most likely caused by strimmers being used on longer grass or shrubs where they were sleeping during the day. The hedgehogs were kept overnight at Woodlands where they were given pain relief and treatment for shock and today they have been taken to the sanctuary’s vet , Rufford Veterinary Group , where the injured legs will be amputated. These distressing injuries can be avoided if the area to be cleared is checked before strimming.

The hot spell that we have all enjoyed has been hard on all wildlife and hedgehogs are still being admitted that are dehydrated and malnourished because of the lack of available food and water. In addition Woodlands has experienced an increase in the number of juvenile hedgehogs needing help that have been abandoned by their mothers before they are able to fend for themselves – it is not known for sure if this is a direct result of the hot weather but given the lack of food and water it is reasonable to assume that there is a link.

A shallow bowl of water left out when the weather is so dry can be a real lifesaver for hedgehogs and other wildlife. Dried chicken cat food with a few mealworm is an ideal meal for hedgehogs and will help to keep them going whilst food is scarce.

Tiny baby hedgehogs or hoglets to give them their proper name are also being admitted to Woodlands. These little mites need to be fed every two hours with a syringe full of Royal Canin puppy milk as they are lactose intolerant and cow’s milk could make them seriously ill.

Woodlands is very fortunate to have staff and volunteers experienced and willing to take on the role of foster mum to these adorable creatures which are such hard work .

All this care comes at a cost to Woodlands and at a time when funds are already stretched because of the numbers of sick kittens that the sanctuary has helped recently it is placing a huge strain of their finances.

Donations to help the hedgehogs can be made via the Woodlands website at www.woodlandsanimalsanctuary.org.uk/donate or by post or in person to Woodlands Farm, Sandy Lane , Holmeswood L40 1UE. Cheques should be made payable to Woodlands Animal Sanctuary.

Woodlands next open day is their big, annual Family Fun Day on Sunday 2nd September at their site in Holmeswood. If you would like to keep up to date with the work they are doing you can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or visit their website: www.woodlandsanimalsanctuary.org.uk