Narford firm steps in to help hedgehogs at RSPCA East Winch

Spiky wildlife at a West Norfolk rescue centre has been given a helping hand on the road to recovery - thanks to a family-run business.

Crane Garden Buildings, of Narford, has again stepped up to support wildlife, providing six additional custom-built hedgehog rehabilitation huts to the RSPCA East Winch centre – bringing the total number of huts by the company to 15.

After learning about the growing number of hedgehogs needing care, with more than 1,000 admitted to the centre last year, the team decided to increase its support and the RSPCA contributed half of the cost of this recent batch of huts.

Crafted at the Narford workshop, the huts have been designed in close consultation with the RSPCA to meet the specific needs of its tiny residents. Measuring 0.8 x 1.2 metres, each unit is elevated to protect hedgehogs from predators and the elements.

They also improve accessibility for RSPCA staff, reducing the need to bend while caring for the creatures.

Every hut serves as a final step in the rehabilitation journey, helping hedgehogs reacclimatise to outdoor conditions before they’re reintroduced into the wild.

Alice Puchalka, deputy manager at the centre, said: “Hedgehogs are solitary creatures and can fight or become territorial if in a space together, so it’s really important that we have these huts to keep them safe while they become strong enough to be released.

“They make a huge difference. Not only are they practical and well-designed, but they also show how businesses can play a vital role in protecting our native species.

“Last year, over 1,000 hedgehogs were brought to us here in East Winch, which makes up over one-third of all the animals we cared for.

“We have big plans for the site, with events coming soon and a brand-new aviary being built next week, so we’d like to say a huge thank you to Crane for their support in helping us upgrade our facilities and continue helping animals.”

Stuart Bowie, facilities manager and driving force behind the initiative at Crane Garden Buildings, said: “Giving back to our local community is just part of what we do here at Crane, so we were delighted to use our expertise in creating garden buildings and help once again with supplying specially designed and manufactured hedgehog huts to RSPCA East Winch. We hope that these help in rehabilitating many more hedgehogs over the coming years.”

RSPCA East Winch is holding an open day for the public to see its work on Sunday, June 29, and the Bishop of Norwich’s historic garden is set to open and raise money for the charity on Friday, July 27.

You can help RSPCA East Winch by purchasing items on its Amazon wishlist. See Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RSPCAEastWinch