About Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary:

Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary is a small, family-run charity dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wild British hedgehogs. Founded in April 2015 by a mother and son team, the sanctuary has grown from rescuing its first hedgehog on 15th April 2015 to helping over 2,311 sick, injured, and orphaned hedgehogs and hoglets by 2025. Supported by a team of over 100 dedicated volunteers, our mission is to reverse the decline of hedgehog populations by providing expert medical care, creating hedgehog-friendly habitats, and inspiring the community to take action in conservation efforts.

Wildlife Education & Awareness:

Education and awareness are at the heart of our work. Each year, we deliver nearly 100 educational and awareness talks, reaching schools, youth groups, and community organisations across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. During 2023-2024 alone, 1,050 local children and adults attended our sessions. To date, over 9,500 people (as of 2025) have engaged with our talks, learning about the threats hedgehogs face and how they can help protect them in their own gardens and communities.

Why Hedgehogs Need Our Help:

British wild hedgehogs are now listed as vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN Red List for British Mammals. Since the year 2000, their population has fallen by around 50% in urban areas and 70% in rural areas. Every year, between 100,000 and 350,000 hedgehogs are killed on roads, with barriers such as fencing and busy traffic preventing them from accessing food, mates, and safe habitats. The widespread use of poisons like slug pellets, intensive agriculture, loss of hedgerows, and increased pesticide use further threaten their survival.

Every Donation Makes a Difference:

We are entirely dependent on public support to continue this life-saving work. 100% of donations go directly towards the care and rescue of hedgehogs, ensuring they receive the treatment, food, and safe environment they need before returning to the wild where they belong. Your support helps us protect one of Britain’s most loved native species and ensure that hedgehogs remain a cherished part of our natural landscape for generations to come.

Registered Charity No. 1190048