A haven for HEDGEHOGS

Mandy Forwood has transformed her home into a sanctuary for her spiky little friends

- WORDS: SERENA SHORES

Eight years ago, on a cold and stormy Bonfire Night, a spiky little creature only the size of an apple surprised Mandy Forwood on her back doorstep.

It was a remarkable instinct that had brought the animal to her home and compassion that made Mandy take her in. Little did Mandy know, but this almost magical experience would lead to her devoting her life to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of hedgehogs, losing her front room to incubators and her heart to her independent, solitary, messy residents.

'When I found “Autumn” outside my door, she was only eight weeks old and 250g, having just left her mum naturally,' explains Mandy, 60, a self-employed home help from Oulton Broad, Suffolk. 'The local rescue was full but the lady advised me what to do over the phone. I didn't even know what hedgehogs ate, even though I used to bring them home in my coat as a child – to my parents' dismay!

'I was told to keep her warm in an enclosed box, and supply food and water. Luckily, I had some soft dog food to hand.

'Autumn stayed with me in a large, indoor guinea pig cage in the dining room under the table, where it was quiet. I became so fond of her, and weighed and fed her daily. By late spring she was a healthy 900g, so I reluctantly released her into the garden.'