Hedgehog Heroes Open ‘Hogspital’ in Cornwall After Three-Year Effort
By Charities Correspondent
It was a huge day for hedgehog lovers yesterday as Cornish charity Prickles and Paws officially opened its brand new “Hogspital” — and more than 80 supporters turned out to celebrate.
Held at the Carnanton Estate in Newquay, the launch marked the end of a remarkable three-year journey to create the purpose-built hedgehog hospital.
Funded entirely by public donations, corporate sponsors and charitable trusts, the project is being hailed as a major win for animal welfare.
Guests, including charity representatives, businesses and local councillors, were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the new facilities. They also heard from Co-Founders Katy South and Diane South, as well as CEO John Lewis, about how the Hogspital will transform care for sick and injured hedgehogs.
A speech from British Hedgehog Preservation Society spokesperson and patron Hugh Warwick was followed by the official ribbon cutting — a proud moment for the team behind the project.
Hedgehogs may be one of Britain’s best-loved animals, but their future is under threat.
Now classed as “vulnerable to extinction” in the UK, their numbers are in decline — something Prickles and Paws is determined to change.
The charity already helps more than 1,400 hedgehogs every year, and the new Hogspital will allow them to do even more. After previously working out of converted outbuildings in a back garden, the team now has access to purpose-built clinical spaces designed to deliver top-level care.
The new facility has also been built with sustainability in mind, with solar panels and battery storage helping to cut costs and reduce environmental impact — meaning more money can go directly towards saving animals.
Now fully open, the Hogspital is calling on the public to help keep its vital work going by signing up to its “Prickle Planet” scheme, with donations starting from just £3 a month to cover essentials like food, medication and specialist treatment.
Charity Co-Founder and Rescue Director Katy South said:
“After three years of fundraising and construction, yesterday was a day of pure elation for the whole team. Moving into purpose-built clinical rooms for hedgehog care is an extraordinary milestone. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made this possible — it means we can help more hedgehogs than ever before.”
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Prickles and Paws CEO John Lewis said:
“Hedgehogs are one of the UK’s most cherished animals, yet they’re now vulnerable to extinction. The Hogspital is a major step forward for their welfare. As an independent charity, we rely on public support — and even £3 a month can make a real difference.”
Based just outside Newquay, Prickles and Paws has built a loyal following of more than 46,000 people on social media.
The charity is also backed by well-known patrons including model and TV personality Lucie Donlan, BBC Earth presenter Hannah Stitfall and author Hugh Warwick.
Alongside rescuing and rehabilitating hedgehogs, the charity plays a key role in the local community through volunteering, education and conservation research.
The Hogspital is now open and ready to welcome its first patients at:
Prickles & Paws, Chy an Sort, Carnanton, Newquay TR8 4EA.
