As the year draws to a close, we reflect on the first 8 months at our new rescue centre.
In the 247 days since our new rescue centre was opened, we took in 593 hedgehogs of which 474 were released back to the wild, a ‘save rate’ of 79%. Averaging this out over 365 days, we would have been in the region of 900 hedgehogs for the year. We fully expect to care for more than 1,000 hedgehogs next year.
We received 3,164 telephone calls for help and advice.
Our top 3 reasons for entry were: –
1. Out during daytime 56%
2. Nest disturbed 11%
3. Injured 9%
We had 19 orphan neonatal hoglets brought in without their mums that required round the clock feeding. Special thanks go to our surrogate mums, Kay, Cheryl and Tracy who between them fed over 70 hoglets around the clock over the spring and summer.
There were a total of 63 mums and hoglets brought in due to nest disturbance – dug out by dogs, uncovered during gardening etc.
Some of our bills: –
£34,696.36 on new equipment and cages for the rescue centre
£10,382.63 on food for the hedgehogs
£ 6,700.39 on vets bills and medication
£3,752.38 on consumables – blue roll, Safe4 disinfectant etc
The rescue centre costs in the region of £275 per day to run, or just over £100,000 per year
On 28th June, we held an official opening day for our supporters, members of the public and others to visit the rescue centre and view our facilities and the inner workings of the centre. Various stalls with hot and cold food, drinks, crafts, charity stalls and others were available for our visitors to browse while they waited to get into the rescue centre. Over 1,000 people attended, with a wait of between 30 – 45 minutes to view the rescue centre during the peak time.
The open day was a spectacular success and raised over £7,000 for the charity.
We hosted Vale Wildlife Hospital’s ‘First Aid, Care & Rehabilitation of Hedgehogs’ course at our rescue centre in October, with 27 of our volunteers attending the course.
Throughout the year we gave talks on hedgehogs and how we can all help them to various groups to raise awareness of hedgehogs and their plight.
Our staff and volunteers are our biggest asset, the skills and dedication of our hardworking people, regardless of their role, are the backbone and lifeblood of the rescue. Every one of them plays a vital role in the day-to day operation of the whole organisation.
We currently have 85 active volunteers, with a further 22 volunteer drivers.
We deliberately didn’t do much in the way of fundraising events this year as we wanted to concentrate on getting the new rescue centre up and running smoothly but we have several events planned for next year. More about those nearer the time.
We would like to thank all our followers, supporters, donors, vets and suppliers for all their support – we could not do what we do without your continued support – thank you!
It has been a busy and sometimes stressful period here at Ashley Barn, but all the hard work has been done and we can now concentrate on providing first class care for all the hedgehogs that need our help.
