A hedgehog rescue service set up in Brackley is going from strength to strength.
Andrew Jackson started Brackley Hogwatch about three years ago after noticing an injured hedgehog in his garden that needed human intervention.
Following training at Tewkesbury’s Vale Wildlife Hospital for first aid, care and the rehabilitation of hedgehogs, Mr Jackson now looks after about 100 animals ready to go into the wild.
The hedgehogs are due to be released at the end of the month when the weather warms up.
He said: “I have been astonished at the amount of empathy Brackley has shown towards helping hedgehogs, and this has shown the town is full of animal lovers.
“I am just trying to help raise awareness to help people and let them know what to do if anyone comes across an injured hedgehog in their garden.
Mr Jackson, who looks after the animals at his home in Winston Crescent, has also urged residents to do their bit to help stop the decline of one of Britain’s popular garden animals.
He added: “Despite our success they are in serious decline and need our actions to preserve the ‘town hedgehogs’ because the countryside population is dwindling.
“I’d like to ask everybody to do everything they can to protect these hedgehogs, by putting out food for them, buying or making hedgehog homes for them or asking others to do the same. Each will have an identifying mark painted on its prickles.”
Donations and sponsorship for Hogwatch is being sought from residents or businesses to meet costs of almost £4,000.
For information or to donate, visit www.brackleyhogwatch.co.uk.