Supporting Cornwall's Hedgehog Heroes
Last summer, AVM Trustee Carolyn Trevivian had the privilege of visiting Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue near Newquay in Cornwall. Invited by CEO John Lewis, Carolyn toured the site of their ambitious new "Hogspital" – a purpose-built facility that will transform the charity's ability to care for hedgehogs in need.
The visit revealed the scale of the challenge facing this dedicated team. Currently, all rescue operations and treatments are conducted from co-founder's home – a remarkable feat considering they admit over 1,400 hedgehogs annually. With Britain's hedgehog population facing significant decline, the demand for their services continues to grow, making expansion not just desirable but essential.
The first phase of their new centre is nearing completion, and the charity plans to relocate to the new premises in February 2026, strategically chosen as the quietest month for hedgehog admissions. The new facility will provide dedicated treatment areas, recovery spaces, and proper quarantine facilities – all vital for giving these vulnerable animals the best chance of survival and successful release back into the wild.
The AVM Foundation is proud to support this important work by funding the installation of security fencing around the entire site. This will ensure the safety of both the animals in care and the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect them.
To learn more about Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue and their vital conservation work, visit www.pricklesandpaws.org