A hedgehog found in poor health at La Grande Mare golf course has been successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild following efforts from the GSPCA.
The hedgehog, nicknamed Charley Hull by staff, was discovered during daylight hours, which is a sign of distress for animals which are nocturnal, such as hedgehogs.
According to La Grande Mare, the animal was also limping and dehydrated when found.
Grace Dovey, the ecologist for La Grande Mare, oversaw the initial care before arranging a transfer to the GSPCA.
“It was great to team up with the GSPCA again, and we are so pleased that Charley was safely and successfully returned home,” she said.
“There have been a few occasions where we have joined forces with the GSPCA to care for poorly wildlife.
“We previously found two hedgehogs wandering during daylight hours, which is a concerning sign for these normally nocturnal animals. Having rescued the pair – named Seve Ballesteros and Dame Laura Davies – we worked closely with the GSPCA to support their rehabilitation.”
La Grande Mare has a history of focussing on its natural surroundings, with ecology acting as a key foundation for the current redevelopment.
Ms Dovey said educating staff is central to “efforts to safeguard the diverse species found on the course,” adding that she’s been “delighted by the high level of engagement shown by the team”.
“They regularly ask questions and enthusiastically share their daily wildlife sightings with me, an approach which greatly enhances our conservation efforts here at La Grande Mare.”
The native hedgehog is a species much loved by islanders, many feed and care for them, and that’s much needed currently as they’ve been facing declining numbers due to habitat loss and injuries when interacting with humans.
Steve Byrne, the GSPCA Manager and CEO, commented that the declining hedgehog population here in Guernsey is “a worry”.
“It’s great that the team at La Grande Mare acted so quickly and competently to bring this poorly hedgehog to us and ensure Charley’s story had a happy ending. We’ve teamed up on a few animal rescues, and it’s great to collaborate in safeguarding the island’s wildlife in this way.
On the current hedgehog decline, with half the amount seen by the charity last year, when compared with six years ago.
Mr Byrne said: “Helping injured wildlife is the biggest part of what we do at the GSPCA, with over 3000 helped annually. Only six years ago, we saw more hedgehogs than ever, with 729 coming through our doors. However, in recent years, that number has sadly dropped to just 301 in 2025. Over the last 15 years, numbers have fluctuated, with an average of 400-500 helped each year.
“Hedgehogs struggle to hibernate here in Guernsey due to our mild weather, meaning hedgehogs are often up throughout the winter months. As we move into spring, increasing numbers of hedgehogs need help, especially mums with their hoglets.”
For those looking to lend a helping hand to a seasonally bewildered hedgehog, Mr Byrne advised feeding, and creating a small hogs sized hidey hole in gardens.
My Byrne concluded: “There are many ways to help our hedgehogs, from putting out food to leaving areas where hedgehogs can create a home in your garden.”