Rescue hedgehogs find new home thanks to North East charities

The group of hedgehogs – also known as a prickle – were rescued and cared for by Sunderland-based animal charity Pawz for Thought, until they were ready for release back into the wild.

They found their new home at New Warlands Farm, run by the North East Autism Society (NEAS) as a working farm and the site for the charity’s vocational training centre.

Sisters Pauline Soulsby and Diane Cassidy, both volunteers for Pawz for Thought, delivered the hedgehogs – three male and three female – to the 77-acre farm near Chester-le-Street, where custom made ‘hedgehog houses’ had already been set up for them.

Staff and learners joined Pauline and Diane to release the hedgehogs (Image: Chris Barron)

Grainger Simpson, Operations Manager at NEAS, said: “This is our second successful hedgehog release with Pawz for Thought. The first lot have all wandered off and made their own homes around the farm, but we kept in contact with Pauline and Diane and when they said they had more hogs needing a home, we were happy to provide.”

Before being released, the hedgehogs were introduced to a small group of NEAS pupils and staff, who affectionately named two ‘Sonic’ and ‘Spikybum’.

The hedgehogs were then gently lowered into the waiting houses, built by autistic trainees at the training centre’s workshop, where they could shelter until after nightfall.

“It’s really good for our trainees, because they actually make the hedgehog houses themselves,” said Grainger, “and it’s great to get kids from our NEAS schools along to take part in the release. It’s an incredible opportunity for them to connect with nature in such a hands-on way."

Pauline, who with her sister has been a volunteer for Pawz for Thought for more than two years, added: “Pawz for Thought is all about the three Rs: rescue, rehabilitation, and release. When hedgehogs come to us, they’re often poorly and distressed – they need care and a new home.

“To find somewhere like New Warlands Farm is absolutely magnificent. The set-up here is perfect for a hedgehog, so to release them when they’re ready into a protected, ideal habitat is phenomenal.”

Pauline Soulsby has volunteered for Pawz for Thought for the last two years (Image: Chris Barron)

As part of NEAS’ plans to transform New Warlands Farm, habitats are being created for all kinds of wildlife, from hedgehogs to endangered water voles, alongside rare breed livestock.

“I never used to know anything about hedgehogs,” laughed Grainger. “But I’m learning a lot, and our services users are learning a lot. It’s just good for everybody – especially the hedgehogs!”