HEDGEHOG-rescuing schoolgirls say they are busier than ever due to the heatwave.
Kyra Barboutis from Stratford High School and Sophie Smith from Stratford Girls Grammar run Hedgehog Friendly Town.
And currently they have nearly 30 baby hedgehogs – known as hoglets – which they are caring for between them, along with more than ten adult hogs.
The 12-year-old girls and Kyra’s mum Helen say it is the busiest they have ever known it.
Helen said: “There are so many hoglets around partly because of the weather. People are accidentally disturbing nests while they are doing the gardening, which makes the mum abandon them.
“It’s so hot and dry, mums are leaving to find water and having to travel further. Some are then drowning after falling into ponds that have no escape routes or getting knocked over by cars as they are travelling further for water.
“We have never had so many baby hoglets in. It is definitely a labour of love.”
The trio advise leaving the mum and babies for a few hours if they are found, and if mum does not return call a rescue centre.
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Visit www.facebook.com/hedgehogfriendlytown for more information.
