A SOUTH Wiltshire animal rescue charity has been caring for hundreds of hedgehogs over the winter.

Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital in Newton Tony has been taking care of between 250 and 300 juvenile hedgehogs, which has surpassed the previous tally of 215. Marilyn and her team of volunteers, supported by her husband Mike, are working around the clock to provide care for the hedgehogs.

And they hope to release them back into the wild around April time.

Marilyn said: “It is not unusual to get a lot of juvenile hedgehogs. We have got more and more over the years [coming into the charity]. Winter used to be a time to recharge the batteries but not now.”

She says more public awareness of the plight of hedgehogs has been a factor with people keeping an eye out for them.

Marilyn says the number of small hedgehogs coming into the rescue charity has now “plateaued” although they had three arrive over the weekend - weighing just half of what they should.

Young hedgehogs need to weigh about 600g to survive the winter, but many are being found at as little as 300g.

The Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital issued an urgent appeal for donations to help feed the hedgehogs and the charity’s call was answered by Spike’s World, who have created a food specially formulated for hedgehogs.

Marilyn said: “It’s a really, really kind donation from Spike’s, we appreciate it very much.

“We have many mouths to feed until around April, and this will greatly help us to do that.

“It’s a relief that we don’t have to use our own money to buy the food the hedgehogs badly need.”

Camille Ashforth, the brand manager for Spike’s World, said the company was “delighted” to do its bit to help.

The rescued hedgehogs will remain at Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital for the next few months until they are able to be returned to the wild. And Marilyn says any donations would be gratefully received. The hedgehogs enjoy munching on cat biscuits and Chicken Webbox sausages.

She is urging members of the public who see hedgehogs out during the day that look small in size to get in touch with the charity by calling 07850 778752.

For more information about supporting the charity go to wildthingsres-q.org.uk.