Hamworthy Hedgehog Rescue in Poole is finding ways to make money after its costs have spiralled due to the cost of living crisis.

The charity relies completely on donations, and helps around 700 animals a year. However, its electricity bills are soaring and, with food prices rising, it is also contending with fewer food donations for the animals.

Charity spokeswoman Sally Dark said: “We have a large outdoor shed that needs to be kept constantly heated throughout the winter. This prevents poorly hedgehogs who are receiving medication, and hoglets that are too small to be released, to go into hibernation while they are with us.

“The fact electricity bills are spiralling is a very serious concern as we rely on donations alone to fund the work that we do.

“Since the start of the pandemic, the cost of cat food has also dramatically increased and we now spend around £700 a month on wet and dry cat food. We used to get quite a lot of donations of food but don’t tend to anymore.”

Hamworthy Hedgehog Rescue is based at Tracy and Jim Dunne’s home in Dorset and is run completely by volunteers. All proceeds and donations go to the animals.

It takes in sick, orphaned or injured hedgehogs with the aim of rehabilitating back to full health before releasing them to the wild or protected sites.

Visit hamworthyhedgehogrescue.org.uk for more information.