A sheltered housing scheme is being launched by a charity to help young orphaned hedgehogs.
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) is appealing for funds to help set up a series of sheltered housing and rearing facilities to help at least 50 hedgehogs this winter.
In order to survive hibernation hedgehogs need to be a
minimum of 500grams.
However, the charity frequently finds hedgehogs which weigh far less.
WRAS founder Trevor Weeks said: "The smallest hedgehog we have ever found was a five gram hedgehog in Langney, Eastbourne."
Hedgehogs might appear hardy covered in spines but they are very susceptible to illness, infection and disease and while hibernating they can die if they are not healthy enough and especially if they do not have enough weight on them.
Hedgehog carer Monica Russell have been working with WRAS for more than a year.
She said: "I love hedgehogs as they are amazing little creatures and such characters.
"It will cost approximately £1,000 a month to look after 50 hedgehogs.
We need to look at purchasing indoor hutches for them as well as outdoor hutches, food, veterinary costs, bedding materials, extra bowls, heat pads, hedgehogs release boxes and more."
East Sussex WRAS is appealing for funds to help set up and run this new Hedgehog Sheltered Housing Scheme and needs to raise as much money as possible.
WRAS casualty care manager Tim McKenzie said: "We have had an exceptionally busy year and it is always difficult to know how many hedgehogs we will get in but we need to plan ahead and set ourselves up for a busy winter.
"We are expecting about 50 hedgehogs to need over wintering this year so we hope to raise enough funds to provide safe accomodation and facilities so they can be over wintered safely and released in the spring."
Hedgehogs hibernate every winter but they will occasionally wake up during warmer spells or if their nest is disturbed.
You can help East Sussex WRAS by making a donation towards its hedgehog appeal by sending a cheque payable to East Sussex WRAS to Hedgehog Appeal, PO Box 2148, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 9DE or online at www.wildlifeambulance.org.
