We are not a rescue centre, but have trained volunteers who provide a triage service covering advice, helping secure a rescue space, and support with transport. The Hedgehog Volunteer First Response Volunteer Unit (FRU) in the Monmouthshire area was established following a 6-month pilot project in January 2024. Funded through support from the Wye Valley National Landscape Sustainable Development F
und (a Welsh Government initiative), it aims to address the problem of a lack of available support for injured or poorly hedgehogs that require assistance/care from trained volunteers, rescue centres or wildlife-friendly vets. The hotline number is open 24/7 when volunteers are available, and is a voicemail only system. Please note we are not a rescue centre and do not take hedgehogs in for treatment. We will, where we can, however, give advice and help you find a suitable space at a rescue centre, and help with transportation if necessary. We may not always be available to respond to your call straight away, or at times the service may have to close due to lack of volunteers. In these circumstances, please do not delay in getting the hedgehog the help it needs and contact the rescue centres as detailed in the recorded message. Volunteers may use a withheld number to return your call, so please make sure you can accept calls from withheld numbers. Please do not contact any volunteers directly who you may have spoken to previously as the service is run on a rota basis and they may not be available – it is important to respect their privacy. Please do not visit the homes of volunteers with enquiries or poorly hedgehogs. Please note that for health and safety reasons, volunteers will ask you to bring the poorly hedgehog to them outside and will not enter your home and/or any outbuildings.
