HEDGEHOGS galore are being treated at the Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre this winter.
A good breeding season has left an influx of underweight hedgehogs unable to survive hibernation .
The hospital, based at Station Road in Beckford, near Tewkesbury, is currently looking after 221 baby hedgehogs.
And staff have been getting them up to the optimum weight until they can be released and survive the winter.
Wildlife care assistant Jessica Skelham said: "We have had, on average, 200 hedgehogs in our care at one time and it is because we have had such a good breeding season.
"There have been so many litters they have not been able to put on the weight they need to hibernate.
"In the last three days we have had more than 20 hedgehogs come in and that is since things have slowed down because of the floods.
"People help us by sending in newspapers, donations of dog and cat food and some even come in and volunteer.
"We are in need of any donation as we are so busy."
It costs the hospital more than £20,000 a month to keep open and so cash is also always wanted.
This year the hospital has dealt with 4,416 casualties, compared to 4,316 last year.
Most of the hedgehogs are bought in by concerned members of the public.
The hospital is open 24 hours a day for help and advice concerning sick, injured or orphaned British wildlife.
Anyone needing help with a stranded hedgehog or wanting to donate food or money can contact the hospital on 01386 882288.
For more information about the charity, visit
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Wed Jan 02, 2013 7:15 pm