Hedgehogs face multiple threats, from road accidents to illness and habitat loss. Without immediate, expert care, injured hedgehogs may not survive, putting local populations at risk. For this reason, the are considered a vulnerable species on the Red List for Britains Mammals. The hospital provides urgent intervention and rehabilitation, giving these small mammals a second chance at life. Each rescue requires careful handling, medical attention, and time-intensive feeding and monitoring, often on a round-the-clock basis.
A Community-Led Rescue Model
Founded in 2016 and registered as a charity in 2018, Holderness Hedgehog Hospital grew from a typical single-site operation into a dispersed volunteer model. Volunteers across Keyingham, Beverley, Burton Pidsea, and Skeffling share responsibilities, including monitoring emergency calls, collecting injured animals, and hand-rearing newborns. This approach spreads the workload, allows fast response times, and creates a sustainable service. The charity is entirely volunteer-led, supported by community donations of food, bedding, and small contributions toward care costs.
Additionally, their talks in schools and community groups raise awareness of hedgehog welfare and inspire the next generation of wildlife advocates. One talk even inspired a 14-year-old to join the volunteer team.
Upgrading Equipment to Improve Hedgehog Welfare
Funding from The John Good Group will enable Holderness Hedgehog Hospital to purchase up to 42 professional front-opening, stackable cages. These will improve hygiene, reduce stress for the animals – who will no longer need to be lifted out of top-opening cages for care – and allow volunteers to care for more hedgehogs simultaneously. Each cage costs £200 plus VAT, a modest investment with lifelong benefits. By increasing rescue capacity and improving operational efficiency, the grant will ensure that more hedgehogs can recover safely.
Thank you all so much for considering us, Holderness Hedgehog Hospital. We are incredibly grateful and excited to be shortlisted. This grant gives us the chance to make our plans a reality, improving care for the hedgehogs in our community and supporting the dedicated volunteers who make it possible.
Holderness Hedgehog Hospital is a highly effective, community-focused charity, delivering essential rescue, rehabilitation, and release services for hedgehogs across Hull and the East Riding. Its dispersed volunteer model provides sustainable, round-the-clock care while keeping costs low. Strong community support through donations, volunteering, and educational outreach not only protects hedgehogs but also builds wider environmental awareness. The team continually improves practices and facilities like upgrading cages to reduce stress, and inspires the next generation of wildlife advocates. Overall, the charity provides a vital, tangible impact and remains a resilient and valued organisation.
Latest Project Updates
November 2025
Talk delivered for John Good Group Employees
The Hedgehog rescue team visited The John Good Group’s head office to deliver a talk to staff about hedgehog-friendly gardens, caring for sick hedgehogs, and demonstrating the new facilities, giving employees a first-hand look at the impact of their support.
October 2025
Grant-funded Upgrades Completed
The Hedgehog rescue have completed the purchase of 42 professional cages, an expansion originally planned to take until the end of 2026. As well as expanding capacity, the cages have revolutionised daily operations, significantly reducing stress for hedgehogs while allowing volunteers to care for more animals safely and much more efficiently.
September 2025
Granted £5,000
After employees at the John Good Group voted for their favourite causes, Holderness Hedgehog Hospital won the vote, and received the highest possible grant of £5,000.
August 2025
Grants for Good Finalist
Holderness Hedgehog Hospital has become one of the top five finalists in the latest Grants for Good round, and will receive a grant between £2000 and £5000 after employees at the John Good Group have voted on their favourite causes.