Hedgehog Heroes: The Unwavering Commitment to Wildlife Conservation
Published 29 December 2025
Highlights
- Joan Lockley has been rescuing hedgehogs for 25 years, helping over 600 in the past year alone from her garden in Staffordshire.
- Lockley was awarded a British Empire Medal for her dedication to wildlife conservation through her West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue.
- Hedgehog numbers have declined significantly, with a 30% drop in urban areas and 50% in rural areas since 2000.
- A three-legged hedgehog named Houdini has become a local fixture, residing in a garden as a halfway house between the wild and a rescue center.
- Not all hedgehogs hibernate, and ongoing care is crucial for their survival during winter months.
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Rewritten Article
Hedgehog Heroes: The Unwavering Commitment to Wildlife Conservation
In the heart of Staffordshire, Joan Lockley has dedicated the past 25 years to the rescue and rehabilitation of hedgehogs, a passion that has earned her a British Empire Medal. Operating from her Cheslyn Hay garden, Lockley has cared for over 600 hedgehogs in the last year alone, a testament to her unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation. Her journey began with a single hedgehog crossing her garden, sparking a lifelong mission to protect these creatures. "They are magic," she says, reflecting on her enduring affection for hedgehogs.
Despite her efforts, hedgehog populations have seen a sharp decline, with numbers falling by up to 30% in urban areas and 50% in rural regions since the turn of the millennium. This alarming trend underscores the importance of initiatives like Lockley's West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue.
Meanwhile, in Burgess Hill, a hedgehog named Houdini has captured the hearts of locals. This three-legged survivor, who has been part of the community for three years, is currently residing in a garden that serves as a halfway house between the wild and the Hurst Hedgehog Haven rescue center. Houdini's story is one of resilience; despite his disabilities, he continues to navigate life with the help of caring neighbors and a dedicated vet.
The Challenges of Hedgehog Hibernation
Not all hedgehogs hibernate, and for those like Houdini, winter poses significant challenges. With limited natural food sources, ongoing care is essential. Joan Lockley advises those wishing to support hedgehogs to provide cat or kitten biscuits and water year-round. Her advice is a reminder of the small actions individuals can take to support urban wildlife.
A Community Effort
Both Lockley and Houdini's stories highlight the vital role of community in wildlife conservation. Lockley's recognition with a British Empire Medal is a testament to the impact one person can have, while Houdini's journey illustrates the collective effort required to support vulnerable animals.
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Scenario Analysis
Looking ahead, the future of hedgehog conservation depends on continued community engagement and awareness. Experts suggest that urban planning and habitat restoration could play crucial roles in reversing the decline of hedgehog populations. As more people become aware of the plight of these creatures, initiatives like Lockley's and local efforts to support hedgehogs like Houdini may inspire broader conservation strategies. The coming years will be pivotal in determining whether these beloved animals can thrive once more in both urban and rural landscapes.
In the heart of Staffordshire, Joan Lockley has dedicated the past 25 years to the rescue and rehabilitation of hedgehogs, a passion that has earned her a British Empire Medal. Operating from her Cheslyn Hay garden, Lockley has cared for over 600 hedgehogs in the last year alone, a testament to her unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation. Her journey began with a single hedgehog crossing her garden, sparking a lifelong mission to protect these creatures. "They are magic," she says, reflecting on her enduring affection for hedgehogs.
Despite her efforts, hedgehog populations have seen a sharp decline, with numbers falling by up to 30% in urban areas and 50% in rural regions since the turn of the millennium. This alarming trend underscores the importance of initiatives like Lockley's West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue.
Meanwhile, in Burgess Hill, a hedgehog named Houdini has captured the hearts of locals. This three-legged survivor, who has been part of the community for three years, is currently residing in a garden that serves as a halfway house between the wild and the Hurst Hedgehog Haven rescue center. Houdini's story is one of resilience; despite his disabilities, he continues to navigate life with the help of caring neighbors and a dedicated vet.
The Challenges of Hedgehog Hibernation
Not all hedgehogs hibernate, and for those like Houdini, winter poses significant challenges. With limited natural food sources, ongoing care is essential. Joan Lockley advises those wishing to support hedgehogs to provide cat or kitten biscuits and water year-round. Her advice is a reminder of the small actions individuals can take to support urban wildlife.
A Community Effort
Both Lockley and Houdini's stories highlight the vital role of community in wildlife conservation. Lockley's recognition with a British Empire Medal is a testament to the impact one person can have, while Houdini's journey illustrates the collective effort required to support vulnerable animals.
What this might mean
Looking ahead, the future of hedgehog conservation depends on continued community engagement and awareness. Experts suggest that urban planning and habitat restoration could play crucial roles in reversing the decline of hedgehog populations. As more people become aware of the plight of these creatures, initiatives like Lockley's and local efforts to support hedgehogs like Houdini may inspire broader conservation strategies. The coming years will be pivotal in determining whether these beloved animals can thrive once more in both urban and rural landscapes.
