More prickly patients for centre

Many of the rescued hedgehogs are afflicted by mange

An increasing number of hedgehogs are being taken for treatment to a new purpose-built centre in Guernsey.

Dawn Robin, manager of the Guernsey Hedgehog Rescue Centre, used to treat the animals in an old barn at her home in St Sampsons.

She says a hedgehog roaming in the daytime is likely to be in distress, and more islanders are taking notice and bringing them in for treatment.

Ms Robin believes there is a growing awareness of the need to protect them.

If it saves a single hedgehog, it's worth it Dawn Robin, Guernsey Hedgehog Rescue Centre

Hedgehogs are not endangered, but numbers are falling due to a loss of habitat and are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

"Roads and mange are the biggest threat to hedgehogs in Guernsey," said Ms Robin.

"They're not producing enough babies to make up for the numbers we're losing.

"Because they are nocturnal, most people don't think about them, unless they see one squashed on the road."

The centre manager says education is the key to raising awareness of the mammal, even if it results in an increased workload for her.

"If it saves a single hedgehog, it's worth it," she said.