Volunteer: Working for Nature
Hedgehog rescue, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire
Rosie Bishop and Carol Cook spend their time rehabilitating hedgehogs in Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire
All over the world, devoted individuals are doing their bit by volunteering to be involved with wildlife. Jo Price meets two women who are rehabilitating hedgehogs in two counties.
Rosie Bishop gently examines a tiny, 180g hedgehog in her hands, on the doorstep of her home. “I’ll get her on a heat mat, administer warm fluids and carry out microscopy testing once I have a faecal sample to see if she has a parasitic overburden,” she explains. “I can then decide on the most appropriate treatment and monitor her progress.”
This lucky hog was found wandering around during the day near a busy road and is one of seven prickly residents currently in Rosie’s care. “Hogs need to be at least 600g to survive hibernation,” says Rosie. “This one won’t make it through the winter if she is released now so we need to look after her until the spring.”
The trainee pharmacy dispenser established Hobo’s Hedgehog Rescue in 2015 and 18 months later she was joined by her friend, Carol Cook. They met at a local Wounded Badger Patrol meeting and found they shared a passion for helping wildlife. Today, the dedicated duo run two hedgehog hospitals in the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley, with the support of 10 volunteers and three veterinary practices that provide expertise.
“We have lost around 30 per cent of the population since 2002,” says Carol, who has a background in veterinary nursing. “They’re not going to be around if we don’t do something about it.” The passionate pair rescue injured, sick and underweight hedgehogs, rehabilitate them and release them back into the wild, usually close to where they were found.
If the release site no longer exists, is near a busy road or if there is a risk of a dog attack, the healthy mammal is set free in one specially chosen site where local residents have created hog-friendly habitat and keep an eye on their nocturnal visitors. “Hedgehogs seem to bring out the best in people,” says Rosie.
“A survey we conducted at this site revealed the population is increasing after years of limited activity,” adds Carol. “We’ve recently found another suitable release site near this one and hope to establish a safe wildlife corridor for the animals in the future.”
When they’re not caring for sick and injured hogs, Rosie and Carol spend their time raising awareness of hedgehog conservation through talks and events. “We encourage people to establish hedgehog highways, avoid using slug pellets and garden for nature,” says Carol. “The situation is critical so if everyone does a little bit to help, that adds up.”
Successful releases, especially of the hand-reared hoglets, are the proudest moments for the women. “Keeping these young orphans alive when they come into us is a constant challenge,” says Rosie. “It is a happy ending when we can return them to the wild.”
Hedgehogs seem to bring out the best in people.