Introduction to Hedgehog Care

Are you keen to get involved with helping our prickly friends?

Hedgehogs are one of the most common animals admitted into wildlife rescues in the UK. Although they’re easy to pick up, they’re certainly not easy to care for and have lots of little quirks. This course is designed to talk you through the basics of hedgehog care, including telling you a bit more about what they do in the wild and how that can impact the care you provide.

• ⏳ Access: 12 months to complete at your own pace

Each module contains:

• 🎥 Video presentations

• 📚 Reference materials and reading lists

• 🧩 Downloadable templates and checklists

• 🧠 A short quiz

Whether you’re a beginner or already involved in wildlife care, this course will give you plenty to think about!

Course Overview

Module 1 – Understanding Hedgehogs

Learn about hedgehog behaviour, life cycles, and habitats to recognise what’s normal and what’s not. Understand their role in UK ecosystems and the challenges they face in the wild.

Module 2 – When and How to Help

Know when intervention is needed and how to act safely. Covers safe capture, containment, and ways to monitor in situ.

Module 3 – Admission and Triage

Learn more about how to carry out an initial assessment, take basic observations, and stabilise hedgehogs for care or transfer. Includes practical guidance on weighing, record keeping, and first aid.

Module 4 – Daily Care and Feeding

Understand feeding schedules, suitable diets, hygiene, and monitoring routines. Learn how to maintain consistent care standards that support recovery and welfare.

Module 5 – Common Health Issues

Identify and respond to common problems such as parasites, injuries, and dehydration. Learn what can be managed in house and when to involve a vet.

Module 6 – Preparing for Release

Learn how to plan safe, successful releases, including pre-release checks, site selection, and seasonal considerations. Also covering post-release monitoring and ethical decision making.

What You’ll Gain

• A clearer understanding of hedgehog care and rehabilitation in the UK

• More confidence to make safe, ethical decisions when helping hedgehogs

• Practical tools and templates you can start using right away

• A structured foundation to build on if you want to volunteer or rehabilitate in future

• A certificate of completion