Happy New Year everyone, and for our first Hog Blog, Tara and myself owe a debt of gratitude to the people who have found us through the articles that Newton News kindly published for us, it has meant that as a small rescue we have really done very well and rescued, treated, rehabilitated and released approximately 55 prickly babies between April and October.

We currently have 22 in our homes now that will have to remain with us till the weather breaks in the spring. We have received some beautiful cards with donations enclosed, too many to name individually, so we take this opportunity to thank the following people who have helped us with either monetary donations or goods to sell on our hedgehog car boot stall. Margaret, who kindly called with some bric-a-brac and a £10 donation; Peter and Terri who found Willow and gave £20; Linda, Mickey, Sinead and Jonathan for the beautiful Christmas card and £20 off Jonathon for the hoggies; June Heron and Will for their efforts with raising money for us and some items to sell; Elaine and Sadie from Aycliffe Village, and finally we can’t forget Bethany at Sore Paws, and her mum, for making and selling bandanas, all proceeds go to our rescue centre. We are overwhelmed by the kindness of everyone, it helps us help these hedgehogs, goodness knows they need all the help they can get. Finally, we would like to show you our latest addition to Prickly Haven Rescue Centre, Margaret at Bewick Crescent found this little one in her garden on a Sunday afternoon, most rehabbers are full at this time of year because of over wintering little ones now till April. Tara went above and beyond so we could squeeze her in and she’s beautiful isn’t she, because she came in Christmas weekend we have named her Mary – she is very happy here and enjoying being warm in a comfy bed with nice food that Sonia donated; with the other hoggies who are also happy and healthy. Margaret, thank you for alerting us because she would have surely died without your assistance.

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2021.