Pepperfield Farm Hedgehog Rescue

In the heart of the British countryside, hedgehogs face numerous challenges, from habitat loss to injuries and illness. Thankfully, dedicated individuals and organisations step up to provide vital care and a second chance for these beloved prickly creatures. Pepperfield Farm Hedgehog Rescue, nestled in Dalton-on-Tees near Darlington, stands out as a beacon of hope for hedgehogs in distress. More than just a rescue, it's a place where passion meets purpose, offering rehabilitation, expert advice, and a compassionate touch to help these vulnerable animals. This article will explore what makes Pepperfield Farm Hedgehog Rescue such a crucial local resource, from its accessible location to the invaluable services it provides and the heartfelt impact it has on both hedgehogs and the community.

Pepperfield Farm Hedgehog Rescue is located in Dalton-on-Tees, Darlington DL2 2NS, UK. This rural setting, while providing a peaceful environment conducive to wildlife recovery, is also strategically positioned to serve the wider Darlington area and beyond. Dalton-on-Tees is a village just south of Darlington, making the rescue easily reachable for individuals in Darlington, Stockton-on-Tees, Richmond, and other surrounding towns and villages in the North East of England who find a hedgehog in need of help. Access to the rescue would primarily be by car, and given its farm setting, ample space for drop-offs would likely be available. While it might not be a high-street location, its specific address in Dalton-on-Tees suggests a well-established presence in the local community, making it a known and trusted destination for those seeking help for hedgehogs. The nature of a rescue often means visitors are arriving with an animal in need, so practical accessibility for transportation of the hedgehog is key.

Unlike a traditional veterinary practice that caters to a wide range of domestic animals, Pepperfield Farm Hedgehog Rescue specialises exclusively in the care, rehabilitation, and release of hedgehogs. Their services are therefore highly focused on the specific needs of these unique creatures. While not a conventional vet clinic, a hedgehog rescue like Pepperfield Farm performs many vital functions that contribute to the "veterinary care" of these wild animals. Their core services would typically include:

• Emergency First Aid and Assessment: For hedgehogs found injured, sick, or out in daylight (which is often a sign of distress).
• Medical Treatment: Administering medication for various ailments, treating wounds, and providing supportive care for ill hedgehogs. This would often involve collaboration with or advice from a registered veterinary surgeon for specific medical diagnoses and prescriptions.
• Rehabilitation: Providing a safe and appropriate environment for hedgehogs to recover from illness or injury, including warmth, food, and quiet spaces.
• Parasite Control: Treatment for common hedgehog parasites such as fleas, ticks, and internal worms.
• Weight Gain and Conditioning: Ensuring underweight hedgehogs, particularly juveniles found late in the year, reach a healthy weight for hibernation or release.
• Overwintering: Providing safe indoor accommodation for hedgehogs too small or unwell to survive winter hibernation in the wild.
• Pre-Release Conditioning: Preparing rehabilitated hedgehogs for their return to the wild, helping them re-acclimatise and build strength.
• Release Programmes: Carefully planning and executing the release of healthy hedgehogs back into suitable wild habitats.
• Advice and Guidance: Offering invaluable knowledge to the public on how to identify a hedgehog in distress, what to do if one is found, and general hedgehog conservation efforts. This includes guidance on creating hedgehog-friendly gardens.
• Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the plight of hedgehogs and promoting conservation efforts within the local community and beyond.

It's important to understand that while they provide a crucial "care" service, a rescue like this works closely with, or under the guidance of, qualified veterinarians for diagnoses and complex medical procedures, acting as a vital bridge between discovery and full recovery for these wild animals.

The reviews provided offer a clear glimpse into the compassionate and dedicated nature of Pepperfield Farm Hedgehog Rescue:

• Exceptional Care and Compassion: Customers consistently highlight the "lovely caring people" and the "fantastic work done by a team of incredible carers." This underscores the genuine empathy and dedication of Joanne and her husband (and their team) towards the hedgehogs they rescue. Even for a hedgehog that sadly didn't survive, the assurance that "it was well cared for in its last few hours of life" speaks volumes about the humane and gentle approach they take.
• Willingness to Share Knowledge: The fact that they are "so willing to pass on their knowledge of how to care for Hedgehogs" is a significant feature. This not only empowers individuals to act responsibly when they encounter a hedgehog but also demonstrates a commitment to broader hedgehog conservation through public education. This open approach to sharing expertise builds trust and fosters a more informed community.
• Focus on Prickly Friends: Their specialisation in hedgehogs is a key highlight. This dedicated focus means they possess in-depth knowledge and experience specifically tailored to the unique needs and challenges faced by hedgehogs, ensuring highly effective and appropriate care.
• Community-Oriented and Responsive: The direct contact and subsequent meeting with Joanne and her husband after finding a hedgehog illustrate their responsiveness and accessibility to the public when an animal is in distress. This hands-on, community-focused approach is vital for wildlife rescues.

These features combine to paint a picture of a rescue centre driven by a profound love for hedgehogs and a strong desire to make a tangible difference in their lives.

For anyone in the Darlington area who finds a hedgehog in need, or wishes to learn more about how they can help, Pepperfield Farm Hedgehog Rescue can be contacted via:

• Address: Dalton-on-Tees, Darlington DL2 2NS, UK
• Phone: 07849 026561
• Mobile Phone: +44 7849 026561 (This is the same number, presented for international calling clarity).

When contacting a wildlife rescue, especially with an animal in distress, it's always best to call first to get immediate advice and arrange the best course of action for the hedgehog's welfare.

For residents of Darlington and the surrounding areas in North East England, Pepperfield Farm Hedgehog Rescue is an absolutely invaluable local resource. It serves as a vital first point of contact and rehabilitation centre for hedgehogs that are injured, sick, or otherwise vulnerable. The glowing testimonials from individuals who have directly experienced their compassionate and knowledgeable approach underscore the profound dedication of Joanne and her team. In a world where hedgehog populations face increasing threats, having such a specialised and caring facility readily available in Dalton-on-Tees means that our beloved "prickly friends" have a fighting chance when they need it most. For anyone concerned about hedgehog welfare in the UK, supporting or utilising the expertise of Pepperfield Farm Hedgehog Rescue is a testament to the community's commitment to protecting its native wildlife.

Pepperfield Farm Hedgehog Rescue

Dalton-on-Tees, Darlington DL2 2NS, UK