A community has pulled together to rescue 70 hedgehogs from a flooded sanctuary in Nottinghamshire.
RSPCA inspector Dan Bradshaw was called to a hedgehog rescue centre in Retford on Friday morning (8 November) to help evacuate 70 hedgehogs from the flooding.
Dan commented: “The rescue takes in sick and injured hedgehogs and the sanctuary was full of 70 hedgehogs when the flooding hit overnight. 
“Five hibernating hedgehogs were in a hutch outside which was completely underwater but, thankfully, the woman who runs the rescue centre was able to get them to safety.
“When I arrived, the ‘hog shed’ was underwater. The water came over the top of my wellies so it must have been almost 2ft deep. There was dried flood floating around and some f the plastic pet carriers with hedgehogs inside were bobbing around in the water.”
Dan worked with the rescue centre owner and neighbours to rescue 70 hedgehogs and move them to safety.
In a plea on Facebook, the sanctuary asked its 1,300 followers for help, asking local people to take in hedgehogs until the flooding has subsided.
Dan added: “When I arrived, the floodwater was still rising so we had to act quickly. It was a real community effort, and everyone pulled together to get the hedgehogs to safety. Thankfully, we were able to move quickly and all 70hedgehogs were saved. It was a job well done.
“Lots of local people have taken in hedgehogs until the rescue centre is safe for them to be returned. One neighbour even game me some dry socks so I could continue working my shift without soggy feet.
“It was such a fulfilling rescue and it was incredible to see the amazing community spirit in Retford. Everyone worked together to save these hedgehogs, it’s really heart-warming.”
In Belper, Derbyshire on Friday, the RSPC was also called to assist fire and rescue crews and a farmer move a flock of sheep in flooded fields to higher ground.
The animal welfare charity’s specialist water rescue team – which is trained to deal with incidents involving animals and people caught up in flooding – received eight reports of flooding incidents overnight (Thursday) and 12 calls on Friday 8 November.
Seven of those calls related to horses in South Yorkshire, three calls in Derbyshire – two about horses and the sheep – and two in Nottinghamshire, one for horses and the hedgehogs.
Residents can stay informed by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for information and flood warnings 24 hours a day, or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood. Wales residents should seek updates from https://naturalresources.wales/.
