Best time to visit Wales

Hedgehog Rescue in Wales

Hedgehogs are now on the endangered species list in Wales

Best time: April–October

Hedgehog Rescue
Hedgehog Rescue
Hedgehog Rescue
Hedgehog Rescue
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Hedgehogs have become a very rare wild mammal in Wales. So, significant conservation efforts are aimed to keep their population from further decline. Hedgehog Rescue volunteer centres take care, rehabilitate, and release injured, sick, and orphaned hedgehogs. Previously, hedgehogs were generally common in gardens and parks and on farms.

Born in the wild, they are often dying out before even leaving the nest. Some say hedgehogs may even disappear from Wales in the future. After breeding season and during the first days of life (from April to October) volunteers help hedgehogs, especially when they are ill. In Wales, even householders save hedgehogs to help stop the animal's decline and even build a hedgehog hibernacula somewhere in their gardens. You'll have the opportunity to join this charity campaign and rescue hedgehogs and to learn more about their conservation process in Wales.

Practical info

When is the best time of year to visit Wales for hedgehog rescue opportunities?

Hedgehog rescue opportunities in Wales are best between April and October every year. Many hedgehogs are taken to rehabilitation centers due to illnesses or injuries, providing tourists with opportunities to save them. Although hedgehogs can be found year-round, the breeding season and when they are born are the most critical for rescuers to operate. So, if you want to save these fascinating animals, visit Wales during the recommended months to increase your chances of finding them. Show more

Where are the best places in Wales to encounter hedgehogs in the wild?

Hedgehogs live in gardens, parks and farms in Wales, but they remain elusive animals, making it challenging to spot them in the wild. However, visitors can still experience these animals' lifestyles and behaviours in wildlife sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres. Guided tours by volunteers will teach you more about these shy animals. Remember, hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures, so dusk or dawn are the ideal times to see them. Show more

What are some common injuries or illnesses hedgehogs face in Wales?

Many hedgehogs in Wales are susceptible to respiratory infections, ticks and mites, broken bones, internal damage and other health problems due to their low immunity. Unfortunately, some of the affected hedgehogs die silently in their nests. Ensure to contact a wildlife rescue center immediately to help hedgehogs in distress. Prioritizing the safety of hedgehogs is an excellent opportunity to save the population from the brink of extinction. Show more

How can tourists contribute to hedgehog conservation efforts in Wales?

Hedgehog conservation relies heavily on volunteers at Hedgehog Rescue centers in Wales. Tourists and visitors can help injured or sick hedgehogs by assisting in rescue, rehabilitation, and release operations. Even without any form of volunteer work, you can contribute to saving the hedgehogs in Wales by buying hedgehog food or building hedgehog nesting boxes. You can also create a habitable hedgehog environment by using fewer harmful chemicals in your gardens or repurposing spaces. Show more

What are some additional ways to support hedgehogs in Wales outside of volunteer rescue work?

Hedgehog conservation efforts can be further escalated by providing food and water in gardens, using fencing or ladders to create a 'hedgehog highway' for them to safely cross roads, planting wildflowers, and putting together leaf piles for their habitat. Additionally, Hedgehog Street is a reliable organization in Wales, campaigning to protect hedgehogs and offering a community to share ideas and tips on how to conserve these amazing creatures. Whether big or small, all conservation efforts are crucial in saving the hedgehogs of Wales. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin