STAPELEY Grange is reminding people what to do if they see a hedgehog following a soar in admissions at the wildlife centre.

Since the start of the year, 375 hedgehogs have come through the door of the centre in London Road, Nantwich – an average of 12 per week – with total admissions up by more than 63 per cent between 2010 and 2016.

The centre would like to see more people educated as to whether the animals are safe to leave alone, or if they need veterinary attention, in a bid to reduce these figures.

Lee Stewart, manager at Stapeley Grange, said: “Since we opened in 1994 we have generally seen a steady increase year on year of the number of hedgehogs coming into our care, particularly since 2010.

“This tells us that more people are looking out for wildlife, and we think that’s great, however, we do get some hedgehogs brought into us which aren’t injured and don’t necessarily need bringing in.

“As a rule of thumb if you see a hedgehog out during the day then it’s likely there is something wrong, as hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures.

“On occasions, you may find an adult hedgehog out at dusk and dawn – this may be a restless female about to give birth or a female with hoglets searching for additional food.

“But if they appear active and there is nothing obviously wrong – for example if the hedgehog is injured, circling or staggering or in immediate danger – they should be left alone.”

It is best for the hedgehog to be raised by its mother in a natural habitat, which can sometimes be disturbed by humans, and in many cases where hedgehogs are brought in to the centre the mother was close-by.

But the centre stresses that if in any doubt, the best thing to do is contact the RSPCA helpline on 0300 1234 999.

“We appreciate that it may be difficult to know what to do if you see a baby hedgehog. Some will have been orphaned, and others may have had their nest destroyed by mistake,” Lee said.

“If a member of public uncovers a nest full of hoglets, we recommend that they cover it up again, as their mother will very likely be foraging nearby.”

Every summer, many hedgehogs also come in because of gardening-related injuries.

Lee added: “In many cases, these sorts of injuries are completely avoidable.

“Hedgehogs can be well hidden in long vegetation or can curl up into a ball when they sense danger, which can make them harder to spot, so having a check before using a strimmer or a lawnmower can prevent horrific and potentially fatal injuries.”

For advice on living with hedgehogs and guidance on making your garden safer for animals, visit rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/livingwith