POGS Hedgehog Rescue
POGs are on a mission to educate our local area, and give them the knowledge they need to support the visiting hedgehogs in their street. A big part of what we do at Penshaw Wildlife Group is about taking responsibility for our own local wildlife. POGs, which stands for Penshaw Hedgehogs is our Hedgehog Rescue which covers Penshaw, and all surrounding areas, taking in sick and injured Hedgehogs, treating them, allowing them to recover and releasing them into appropriate local areas.
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The hedgehog is the UK's only native spiny mammal. It is commonly found in a range of habitats including urban gardens, parks, and woodlands. However, hedgehog populations have been in decline for several decades. They are currently classified as Near Threatened on the Red List for British Mammals, indicating that their long-term survival is at risk.
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A number of human-related factors contribute to this decline. Road traffic is a significant cause of mortality. Habitat fragmentation due to housing development, fencing, and infrastructure can limit the movement of hedgehogs and restrict access to food and nesting sites. Garden chemicals such as pesticides and rodenticides reduce insect populations, which hedgehogs rely on for food. Injuries also occur from strimmers, netting, and uncovered drains. Litter and reduced access to natural, overgrown areas further exacerbate the challenges hedgehogs face.
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As a result of these combined pressures, hedgehogs brought to a rescue centre, are often found to be dehydrated and underweight, indicating difficulty in finding sufficient food and water in the wild.
Hedgehog Rescue
Situated at the bottom of Whitefield Crescent Penshaw, in a converted summerhouse surrounded with climbing roses and wildflowers, the rescue is perfectly equipped with everything you would find at a large rescue, electricity, animal accommodation, cleaning supplies, microscope and incubation unit. The rescue can hold at least 8 hedgehogs indoors, with special units outside too depending on patient needs. Back in 2023 we fund-raised and bought a second hand summer house, Monument Roofing very kindly transported it to site. Dan Hill fencing painstakingly erected it and felted the roof for us. We insulated every inch and installed flooring. Once we had built some custom shelving and desk space it became a very functional organised space; clean and quiet, perfect for recovering hedgehogs.
High Standards at POGs
At POGs, we are committed to delivering the highest standards of care for the hedgehogs we admit. All first aid-trained volunteers have successfully completed the comprehensive Hedgehog First Aid course provided by the Vale Wildlife Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre. This specialist training equips volunteers with the skills necessary to stabilise newly admitted hedgehogs, including the administration of subcutaneous fluids for rehydration and ensuring the animal is warmed and made comfortable upon arrival.
Following stabilisation, faecal samples are collected and examined microscopically to identify potential parasitic infections or other health concerns. Based on the analysis, our designated Medication Coordinator diagnoses and prescribes treatment in line with veterinary guidance and current best practices.
We are proud that the majority of our volunteers have completed the Vale course, which is widely regarded as one of the most informative and respected training programmes in the field.
Our veterinary support is led by Allan, an experienced exotics vet from Wrights Vets, who has a longstanding relationship with POGs. Allan conducts annual inspections of our facilities, reviewing hygiene protocols, medical practices, documentation, record-keeping, health and safety compliance, and operational procedures. We consistently receive excellent feedback during these inspections, which is a testament to the dedication of our team.
In recognition of our high standards, POGs has recently been awarded the Wildlife Care Badge—a quality assurance scheme created by UK veterinarians with specialist knowledge in wildlife care. This award is granted to organisations that successfully undergo a veterinary inspection, complete a formal interview process, and pass a detailed three-monthly knowledge assessment.
POGs is also formally registered with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (BWRC), and the RSPCA. These affiliations reflect our commitment to accountability, high welfare standards, and continuous improvement within the wildlife rescue sector.
From time to time, volunteer opportunities become available at the rescue—please keep an eye out for announcements if you’re interested in joining our team.
Our Volunteers -
Our Commitment to Care
Our dedicated team of volunteers visits the rescue centre each week to clean enclosures, weigh, examine, and feed every hedgehog in our care. Their ongoing support ensures that each patient receives the attention and treatment they need during their rehabilitation.
At POGs, our managers and volunteers take their roles as caregivers and rescue professionals very seriously. We strictly adhere to veterinary guidance and collaborate closely with local rescue centres to share best practices, exchange vital information, and support one another by redistributing patients when necessary to alleviate capacity pressures.
We are fortunate to have a compassionate and reliable team of volunteers who generously dedicate their time each week.
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Additionally, we are proud to be an approved partner organisation for Houghall College in Durham. Each year, we welcome one student volunteer, offering them hands-on experience and valuable learning opportunities within our rescue centre.
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Admission, Recovery, and Release Standards
Release Criteria and Finder Responsibilities
Before a hedgehog is released, we assess the proposed location—often the area where the animal was found—to ensure it meets safety and welfare standards.
If this criteria cannot be met, POGs will identify an alternative release site.
We are happy to assist finders in meeting these requirements in their own gardens—please feel free to reach out for guidance.
The following conditions must be confirmed prior to release:
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Gaps in all fences and/or walls to allow hedgehogs to travel freely between gardens
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A suitable hedgehog house for shelter
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Nightly supplementary feeding with dry cat food and fresh water
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No free-roaming dogs in the garden
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No use of garden chemicals, including (but not limited to) slug pellets, rodenticides, and weed killers
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No use of rodent traps, sticky mats, or humane traps
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A secure pond ramp must be in place if there is a pond present
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No use of strimmers in areas where hedgehogs may be hiding
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Football and fruit netting must be raised well off the ground to prevent entanglement
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All drains, holes, and similar hazards must be covered
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The garden should be free from loose rubbish bags, debris, or litter
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Care must be taken to check thoroughly before using any garden machinery or tools
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Feeding stations must be cleaned regularly, houses must be refreshed with clean bedding—especially when used to raise young
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Hedgehogs should be monitored discreetly for signs of illness, injury, or abnormal behaviour. We can be contacted for advice.
Following these standards, we can ensure every hedgehog has the best possible chance at a healthy, safe life post-release.
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Education
POGs hold regular educational workshops aimed at adults wanting to learn more about hedgehogs and how to support them. We also offer bespoke visits to local businesses to help them be more 'hedgehog friendly', as well as workshops for children and young people in after school clubs, home education groups and schools.
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If this is something you would be interested in,
please get in touch here
