Where possible, we release our hedgehogs back to the wild in the vicinity they were found. They need to be fit and healthy to survive and breed. Consequently, any which are not in a condition to be returned to the wild, for example,those who are blind or have lost limbs, will see out their lives in a secure garden, to be fed and watered by a carer.
Hedgehogs which arrive towards the end of Autumn or start of Winter will usually need to be over-wintered in the 'hospital' until they have reached a minimum body weight of 600g.
They will then be released the following Spring if they are fit and healthy.
We try to ensure the hedgehogs are returned to the wild by 'soft release'. This means gradually acclimatizing them from the warm 'hospital' environment to the cooler weather outside by adjusting the temperature over a period of a few weeks to match the external temperature.

                                                    

Those hogs which are ready to be released spend a few days in our garden in the pre-release pen. This gets them used to walking on grass and soil again as well as encountering familiar obstacles like tree branches. They also have a bucket of leaves, roots, and composted vegetation to encorage them to forage for food.

         
Whilst they are in the pen, we carry out a visit to the release site to ensure they will have an adequate food and water supply and a safe haven to spend their first night, usually amongst dense undergrowth. We obviously avoid sites near to motorways, railway tracks and other hazardous areas. Once satisfied with the exact location for release, we deliver the hedgehog just before dark and leave it well covered and provide a nearby supply of food. We always weigh them prior to release and if possible, photograph them for use in educating the public.