Rescue, Care and Rehabilitation of Hedgehogs

This species-specific course focusing on hedgehogs is aimed at those who have already completed our Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release Courses and/or have a good foundation knowledge of the rehabilitation of hedgehogs. The course will include a discussion of:

• The ecology and biology of hedgehogs relevant to their assessment and triage for treatment, rehabilitation, and release
• The care of hedgehogs while in captivity
• Some of the common reasons for admissions of hedgehogs to vets and wildlife centres
• The care of neonatal and juvenile hedgehogs

The course will be led by Katie Gibbs (SWWR Wildlife Care Supervisor) and Leah Sharp (SWWR Wildlife Care Supervisor), both of whom have many years of experience in dealing with hedgehogs.

The course will be run virtually (online using Zoom) as a half-day (four-hour) event. It is possible to attend the course live online on the day or as a recorded presentation, which will be sent to ticket holders and accessible for a limited time after the course. Those attending will receive an electronic certificate, as well as a selection of relevant open-access scientific papers and other supporting electronic information.

Course Organiser: George Bethell (SWWR Head of Education and Public Relations)

Course Tutors: Olivia Forrester (SWWR Wildlife Carer) and Leah Sharp (SWWR Wildlife Care Supervisor)

Date: Saturday 4th October 2025

Time: 10am-2pm

Cost: £50 (SWWR volunteers and students £40)

Tickets sales end at 12pm the day before the course takes place, anyone wishing to purchase a ticket after this time will need to contact Reception directly.

Please note that although this will be a detailed course, no specific drug doses or treatments will be included, as the course is not aimed specifically at veterinary professionals. Veterinary surgeons requiring discussion of these topics are directed to our course for veterinary professionals.

Please note that this course is designed for gaining general knowledge and is not certification of becoming a wildlife rehabilitator. Your certificate of attendance will provide you with evidence of continued professional development (CPD) for use as students or others already working within the sector to show attendance.