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Little hedgehog saved thanks to Woolands Animal Sanctuary

ON Saturday, we found our regularly visiting little hedgehog was obviously in distress. An earlier quick visit to the vet had revealed nothing evident but its condition deteriorated and, being the weekend, we could get no response from the usual sources, With some trepidation we tried to contact the Police Wild Life Officer to see what else might be suggested. The call was received by their switch board operator who dealt with the call sympathetically, and on hearing that our computer was having problems, did his own research and recommended Woodlands Animal Sanctuary as most appropriate, as it has a hedgehog rescue programme. A "BIG THANK YOU" to Merseyside Police for their time and effort to help a wee creature in need!

After a quick phone call, we set off to Woodlands and were met by kind and efficient staff who were expecting us. Hedgie was swiftly examined and was found to be heavily infested with fly eggs by that time. We were warned that if any maggots had hatched and burrowed in, it was too late. However, the staff rapidly set to work on the painstaking task of removing every single egg by means of tweezers, and we are pleased to say they were successful and he is reported to be doing well.

We are told that if you see any of this endangered species foraging abroad in the day time, there is always something wrong and action is needed. The sanctuary number is:- 01704 822 828 and they will be happy to advise, as would Freshfields Animal Sanctuary or other animal welfare agency. This species is in decline, and needs our vigilance to survive.

Woolands Animal Sanctuary, Holmswood, West Lancs, in its July 2016 newsletter states that they have released 150 hedgehogs back into the wild and they have some 70 more, many little hoglets, currently in residence, including Hedgehog 538 from Formby! This numbering system makes it easy to ring and check progress from time to time.

Of course, hedgehogs are not their only residents, a large number of cats are passing through and many have been successfully re-homed. There are horses, donkeys, goats and exotics, even a baby badger has been helped recently and returned to his sett.

Of interest to many families, schools and youth groups, is their education programme. The staff and some of their charges, usually themed and involving 1 to 3 creatures at a time, will make visits, to provide contact with actual animals along with facts and a goody bag of games to play and information to peruse. Their fact sheet says:- "Other visits include Donkey Day Out, Pony Experience and Goat Meet and Feed. Our visits can be customised for any particular interest or theme." If you would like an information leaflet, please send them an email or call:- 01704 823 293.

It is obvious that care like they provide needs a lot of money. If you, or your organisation, feel inclined to help, in big ways or small, do contact them. There are many events including bag packing, street collections, car boot sales, in need if items and much more. Forthcoming events include:- 'Mini Open Day Reptile Special', on Sunday, 24 July 2016... Plus bring your dog to compete in our fun dog show! 'The Family Fun Day' takes place on Sunday, 4 September 2016. For more information about the infamous Family Fun Day, please visit our Facebook Page.

Woodlands also has an Amazon Wish list for donations to be made. This is an interesting and worthwhile present to be made on someone's birthday perhaps? You can also make contact with The sanctuary, via popping round. It's located in Holmwood Village, right next to Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve; itself well worth a visit!