The village has a fun afternoon planned at the village hall on Saturday, 20th September, with a bric-a-brac table, raffle, kids’ colouring and cake decorating being some of the activities on offer.

Funds raised will support Prickles and Paws’ work in rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing native British hedgehogs. At this time of year, and as autumn progresses into winter, hedgehogs have a few tricky hurdles ahead of them, including being at higher risk of gardening and bonfire injuries, and autumn juveniles struggling to reach a healthy weight in time for hibernation. 

During autumn, hedgehogs will be readying themselves for hibernation, which usually takes place between October and March. They’ll be feasting on insects and finding the perfect corners to make their nests, before settling in for a long winter, during which time their heart rates slow and body temperatures drop. In the spring, they emerge once again to forage for their food, which at this point can be found in larger quantities. 

However, this natural process can be disturbed by us humans. As hedgehogs attempt to cosy up in their nests, often in piles of leaves, the undergrowth, stacks of logs and other corners of the garden, they can be at risk of harm with the autumn clear-outs and gardening jobs. Similarly, piles of wood and gardening waste intended for bonfires can appeal to hedgehogs as they attempt to make their hibernation homes. Tragically, they can get caught up in bonfires if they are not checked before lighting, which can lead to severe injury or even death. 

There are a few things we can all do to keep an eye out for hedgehogs as they navigate this tricky yet essential time in the season. 

In the garden, why not leave bowls of cat food and fresh water out in case of prickly visitors? Hedgehogs rely on insects - mainly invertebrates - which flee once the colder weather begins, so they are at risk of being unable to reach a good weight to survive hibernation. Cat food can help bulk their weight. Avoid leaving milk for them, as this can cause diarrhoea and dehydration. Consider leaving a pile of leaves untouched in the garden to provide local hedgehogs with a nest, or you could even build a little hedgehog house! 

If you are planning to light a bonfire this Guy Fawkes Night, or throughout the autumn, avoid building bonfire piles ahead of time. Before lighting, always gently check the pile, and leave an exit hole in case a hedgehog (or any other form of wildlife) needs to escape. 

Hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures and should not be out during the day. If you see one in broad daylight, this is when you need to act. Do not touch them, as this can cause unnecessary stress; simply call a local hedgehog rescue for advice - they will be able to tell you what to do. If you find a hedgehog nest, do not disturb it. 

Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue is in the process of building its very own ‘hogspital’ on its Carnanton Estate near Newquay. It will feature a triage room and intensive care unit, outdoor maternity and pre-release hutches, isolation areas for infection control, a classroom for education and workshops, and some eco-friendly additions such as bat boxes and wildflower meadows. The space will be able to ensure more hedgehogs found in trouble or at risk can receive proper care before they are released back into the wild.

You can donate to Prickles and Paws by visiting Ways to Donate — Prickles & Paws Hedgehog Rescue

Lawhitton’s fundraising event takes place between 2pm-4pm at Lawhitton Village Hall on Saturday, 20th September. Pop along and support if you can! 

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