Can you help Guernsey’s hedgehogs and take care with bonfires?

Submitted by Steve on 15:50, 29th Oct, 2026 | 0

With the winter drawing in and bonfires likely next week the GSPCA is asking people to create their very own hedgehog haven and support our work with wildlife!

There are many things you can do in your garden to help hedgehogs and to donate to our work helping 1000’s of wild animals a year and incredible numbers of hedgehogs please go to https://bit.ly/3eE3RPx

There are many things we can all do to help hedgehogs; here are just a few:

CHECK BONFIRES WELL BEFORE LIGHTING THEM
Make sure hedgehogs can access your garden with a ‘Hedgehog Highway’ a 5” x 5” (13 x 13cm) square gap in the bottom of fences or walls should do it! Once created you can log these on the British Hedgehog Preservation Society BIG Hedgehog Map at www.bighedgehogmap.org
Create a log pile that will offer shelter and natural food.
Build a Hedgehog Home (see the British Hedgehog Preservation Society plans at www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/hedgehog-homes).
Move piles of rubbish to a new site on the day you are burning it and check it carefully before setting light to it, lighting from only one side so that there’s an escape route should you have missed anything.
Check areas carefully before mowing or strimming.
Ensure netting is kept at a height that allows hedgehogs to pass safely under it.
Check compost heaps carefully before digging the fork in.
Stop using pesticides and poisons.
Cover drains or deep holes.
Ensure there is an easy route out of ponds & pools.

Firework advice https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/fireworks-notification-7pm-tonight-gspca-urges-pet-owners-and-animal-keepers-plan-ahead

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “In Guernsey in recent years we have seen incredible numbers of hedgehogs needing our care and since 2011 although lowers numbers in 2025 and 2026, in fact have helped over 7000 through our doors.”

“With the winter weather and storms upon us we can all do a little to help our hedgehogs, even if it is sending a donation to help with their care here at the GSPCAhttps://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA) .”

“Hedgehogs at the GSPCA had a big move in the last year as they moved out of their GSPCA home for the last 14 years into facilities donated by Stan Brouard, and into specially made cages paid for by a kind legacy, with new flooring donated by GFF Flooring while we continue the BIGGEST BUILD in the GSPCA 153rd year, which includes a new Wildlife Hospital.”

“To make a donation or support our BIGGEST BUILD Appeal please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/biggest-appeal-ever-gspca-big-build-appeal-buy-brick-build-brighter-future-animals-guernsey .”

“The winter weather causes challenges for our prickly friends so popping out water and food can really help them and with many thinking about bonfires next week we all need to help our hedgehog friends.”

“You can also help them by buying or donating to buy intensive care units for the GSPCA as some are coming to the end of their usefulness as they are often on 24/7 to help save lives.”

“To go one step further and purchase an intensive care unit and we have supplied the details for anyone or business or group wanting to donate something they can see make a real difference.”

Large ICU’s - https://brinsea.co.uk/bird-breeding-products/brooders/tlc-50-advance-intensive-care-unit-brooder-recovery-unit/

Medium ICU’s - https://brinsea.co.uk/bird-breeding-products/brooders/tlc-40-advance-intensive-care-unit-brooder-recovery-unit/

Small ICU’s - https://brinsea.co.uk/small-animal-care/tlc-intensive-care-incubators/tlc-30-advance/

Steve continued “As we head into winter hedgehogs become less active, but we still do see young hoglets many needing our help.”

“Hedgehogs are great in so many ways from helping eat the pesky slugs and snails in your garden to the smiles they bring to those that like to watch them and we hope that the Bailiwick of Guernsey will come together to support hedgehogs especially with the risks and challenges we see over winter.”

“Maybe you want to support the hedgehogs every month, if so why not become a sponsor and Angel Pen Pal supporter and to find out more you can pop in or call us on 257261 for a leaflet or download a leaflet with all the details by going to http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf .”

“If you find a sick or injured hedgehog we are here 24/7 on site and have a manned ambulance and if you need to know what to do please call us on 01481 257261 or check out the advice page https://www.gspca.org.gg/animal/hedgehog-advice .”

"From all at the GSPCA a huge thanks to all that do so much to help the hedgehogs and wildlife of Guernsey."

Over the last 15 years we help an average 400-600 hedgehogs and here are the stats -

2025 – 301 hedgehogs

2024 – 498 hedgehogs

2023 – 445 hedgehogs

2022 – 498 hedgehogs

2021 – 665 hedgehogs

2020 - 729 hedgehogs

2019 - 618 hedgehogs

2018 – 472 hedgehogs

2017 – 562 hedgehogs

2016 – 491 hedgehogs

2015 – 374 hedgehogs

2014 – 394 hedgehogs

2013 – 315 hedgehogs

2012 – 496 hedgehogs

2011 – 137 hedgehogs

Total over the last 15 years = 6995 hedgehogs plus 315 hedgehogs from the 1st January 2026 to 29^th October 2026 making 7295.

Here are some hedgehog facts and tips to help them –

Any Hedgehogs seen out in daylight will likely need URGENT help, please call us for advice
Hedgehogs do NOT lie out sunbathing
Any cut hedgehog needs urgent help
Any Hedgehog with flies on it or maggots crawling on it needs VERY Urgent help
Any Hedgehog limping or walking strangely needs help
Anything hedgehog that looks very thin or wobbly or has bald patches or missing spines
Garden ponds and swimming pools - Make sure there is always an easy route for Hedgehogs to climb out of the water. Steps built out of house bricks are often used. Ideally, swimming pools should have shallow steps and a tight-fitting insulating cover should be used overnight.
Strimmers and hedge trimmers - These should be used sparingly under hedges and other areas of undergrowth. Hedgehogs and other animals are likely to be resting there during the day. The GSPCA see animals injured by these every month and if this does happen please contact us immediately or pop them to the Shelter as quickly as possible.
Drains - Drains and similar open holes frequently trap unwary Hedgehogs and they can starve if they are not rescued. Keep all drain covers in good condition and cover any open holes.
Litter - Litter is a real hazard and Hedgehogs frequently get their heads stuck in tins, plastic binders from drinks cans or discarded yoghurt pots. Please make sure you dispose of your rubbish safely. Also please ensure that you store any items for recycling in a safe place away from inquisitive Hedgehogs.
Nets - Nets particularly those used for tennis, football or cricket, must be furled well above the ground when not in use. Hedgehogs often get entangled in these nets and die of starvation. Fruit nets are a similar source of danger but can be kept taut to stop animals getting entangled.
Pets – Dogs are often quite inquisitive when they see a Hedgehog in the garden. It is important that your dog doesn’t try to play or pick up a Hedgehog as it can both injure the hedgehog and your pet.
Slug pellets - Slug pellets can poison Hedgehogs and should only be used as a last resort. Try using other methods such as beer traps or sprinkling fine sand or ground up shells around the plants you need to protect; rings made of cut down plastic drinks bottles can offer protection to individual plants and aluminium, sulphate-based products can be used over wider areas. If all else fails and you have to use pellets, place them under a slate which is inaccessible to Hedgehogs.
Rodenticides – There is new evidence that has shown that Hedgehogs are at risk from poisons put down for rats and mice. Although the bait boxes used should not allow Hedgehogs to get to the bait, slugs and snails are attracted to the bait and will then store the poison in their bodies, so when the Hedgehog eats the slug, they get the poison. So always seriously consider whether you need to use these chemicals and if so, please be very careful.
Bonfires - If you have to light a bonfire, always make sure there are no animals sheltering in the pile.
They have relatively long legs - about 10cms (4") and these enable them to run as fast as we can walk.
Their front feet are shorter and broader than their back ones.
The claws on their powerful front feet are particularly useful for digging.
Each night (when not hibernating) Hedgehogs will probably make a slow and apparently haphazard search for food and will travel between 2-3kms (1-2 miles).
They have small bright eyes but cannot see very well. At night they will use their excellent sense of smell and hearing to guide them.
Their weight will be largely determined by the food they get, but most one-year olds will weigh between 450-680gms (1-1½1bs).
Self-anointing is an activity only Hedgehogs do. It seems to be connected with strange smells or tastes that cause them to produce large quantities of frothy saliva. They then spread the foam over their spines by flicking it with their tongue.
If a young Hedgehog survives its early life in the nest and then its first hibernation, it can expect to live for 4 or 5 years longer. By this time it will be getting old but might live to the age of ten.
Generally they lead solitary lives and tend to go out of their way to avoid other Hedgehogs, except during the mating season.
Like most mammals the Hedgehog has a characteristic smell and this will usually warn other hedgehogs to keep out of the way.
In the mating season the male may be attracted by the different smell of the female and commence a rather prolonged and noisy courtship with her.
Hedgehogs do not pair bond - the female raises her young unaided by the male.
At the GSPCA we see more sick and injured Hedgehogs than any other species of wild animal.
The GSPCA when we release Hedgehogs ensure they are painted purple on their spines and we also microchip them.
Baby Hedgehogs are called Hoglets.
An adult hedgehog have between 5000 and 7000 spines
Hedgehogs were likely brought to Guernsey sometime in the 18th century
Hedgehogs really need the winter temperature to be below 5C to hibernate which means they do struggle to do this in guernsey resulting in hedgehogs arriving at the GSPCA almost daily all year round

Check out more on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal – https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal

To donate to our work and the other animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

To see animals looking for new homes

https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals

To see our youtube channel and lots of videos please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA

To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog

Upcoming events

World Animal Month October 2026
National cat Day 29^th October 2026
Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed

Community Bingo Night to Raise Funds for the GSPCA at the Thomas de la Rue Tuesday 10^th November 2026

Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog11/11 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat2/12 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
World Wildlife Conservation Day 4^th December 2026
Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
Sidneys Sponsored Events - Grease and Dirty Dancing Saturday 10^th April 2027

Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”

“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”

“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”

“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”

“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”

“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “

“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “

“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”

"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."

"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."

“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”

“To visit our x page please click here .”

“Thank you for your support.”