A local hedgehog rescue are on the lookout for raffle prizes as plans get underway for their big May quiz.

As the Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue team begin planning their annual May quiz night, they are seeking donations for the accompanying raffle that will help raise much needed funds for their independent hedgehog rescue centre.

The first of these quiz nights went ahead in May 2022 and saw Rutland residents come together to raise an impressive £750 for the local hedgehog rescue team.

The duo rescue hogs big and small al year round. Image credit: Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue.

However, medication throughout 2022 cost the team a whopping £2088, meaning that they are keen to muster up even more enthusiasm for the second of these annual quiz nights on 5 May 2023.

Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue are a Rutland-based hedgehog centre set up and run by married couple Rachel and Jay, who work tirelessly to save our prickly friends in and around the local area.

They are self-funded and often full to capacity, meaning that costs for food, bedding, medication and other necessary items are high.

Prickleback are one of a growing number of rescues in UK that have gained accredited status through the wildlife carers badge.

This accreditation proves that Rachel and Jay have met the required standard as set by professionals in the field of wildlife rehabilitation to be a wildlife rescue. To achieve this they passed a vet check and knowledge and assessment exams.

They have recent earned their accreditation. Image credit: Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue.

Rachel explained: "Wildlife rehabilitation is an unregulated activity, meaning that although several aspects of the law would be applicable to what we do, we do not have to have a license and are therefore not checked. We are really proud to have been awarded this and have had to work hard to achieve it."

The hard work never stops for this duo, as they come up with more ways to raise much-needed funds to keep their mammoth mission alive.

They are hoping to raise funds not only through the quiz entry cost, which last year was £20 for a table of 4 - 6, but by hosting a raffle packed with goodies and gifts donated by local people and businesses.

They are on the lookout for clothes, jewellery, alcohol, chocolates, experiences, goods and more.

Can you help?

Get in touch with Rachel and Jay by emailing [email protected].

Hedgehogs are endangered, so their work is critical. Image credit: Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue.

The team are also hosting their rearranged Hedgehog Talk this month following cancellations due to snowy weather conditions.

This will take place on Friday 24 March at 7pm.

Find out more and book your free space here.