Last Thursday we welcomed a special guest: Croft Hogs Home, a hedgehog rescue centre dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating one of Britain’s most beloved wild creatures. Julie from Croft Hogs Home brought along a wealth of knowledge, passion, and gave a great talk to the Scouts.
The Scouts learned all about the challenges hedgehogs face in the wild, from habitat loss and road dangers to the importance of safe garden spaces. Through engaging stories and discussion, we discovered how small changes in our own back gardens can make a big difference for these nocturnal visitors.
Facts about Hedgehogs:
- Species & Range: The UK is home to the West European hedgehog, found across most of Britain except some Scottish islands. They thrive in gardens, parks, woodlands, and even urban areas.
- Size & Appearance: Adult hedgehogs normally measure 20–25 cm long and weigh up to 1.2 kg—about the size and weight of a pineapple.
- They have 5,000–7,000 spines made of keratin (like human nails), which are actually modified hairs.
- Their spines cover the back and sides, while the face, belly, and legs are covered in coarse fur.
- Diet: Hedgehogs are insectivores and eat beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, slugs, and other small invertebrates. They may also eat frogs, bird eggs, and fruit.
- Hedgehogs ar lactose intolerant – DO NOT give them milk. Water is fine
- Behaviour: Nocturnal and solitary, they roam gardens and green spaces at night.
- They hibernate from November to mid-March in nests made of leaves.
- Senses: Poor eyesight but excellent hearing and smell help them forage in the dark.
- Conservation Status: Sadly, hedgehogs are now considered vulnerable to extinction in the UK due to habitat loss, road traffic, and pesticide use.
- Helping Hedgehogs: Avoid slug pellets and pesticides.
- Leave out water and meat-based pet food (never milk—they’re lactose intolerant!).
- Create “hedgehog highways” by cutting small holes in garden fences to allow safe passage.
The visit wasn’t just educational, it was inspiring. Many scouts left with a new appreciation for wildlife conservation and a determination to help hedgehogs thrive in Bramhall and beyond.
We’re incredibly grateful to Croft Hogs Home for sharing their time and expertise. If you’d like to support their work or learn more, check out their website or follow them on social media.
Let’s keep making space for nature—one hedgehog at a time!
From the Archives
Looking back in the Scouting Archives, in November 1947, this is what a Scout Magazine said; (Yes we know they are lactose intolerant now, but did we in 1947!)
Remember:
A Hedgehog out in the day is not OK! – seek help from a rescue centre
Check your bonfires before lighting them, ideally build them just before you light them!
Links:
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society – A good place to find your local Hedgehog rescue centre
