Prickly visitor finds a helping hand at Oak Tree House

Joe the hedgehog was found wandering in the garden

A lost hedgehog found himself in a bit of a pickle when he was spotted wandering around the garden of Hft’s residential service in Bampton.

People we support at Oak Tree House spotted the prickly critter in the gardens and alerted staff.

Support worker Jo Kingdon carefully rescued the hedgehog from the garden with the help of animal lover Fran who lives at Oak Tree House, and made him cosy in a box full of blankets.

It is believed that the hog may have wandered into the garden in search for food during the colder months.

Jo said: “He looked quite weak and we think he may had wandered away from his nest in search of food.

“We did look to see if there was a nest nearby, but It seemed as if he was on his own.

“We were happy to help him.”

Wildlife lover Fran said: “The hedgehog was cute and I am glad we rescued him.”

The hedgehog’s arrival prompted much excitement among people supported at Oak Tree – who named It Joe, after support worker Jo.

The hedgehog was handed to a local rescue centre where it will be rehabilitated and cared for before being released back into the wild.

Hedgehogs can wander in the winter, primarily to search for food and to avoid predators.

During the winter months, their diet is limited and they need to conserve energy.

They make wake up on occasion to look for food, but they do not leave their nests for long periods.

Hedgehogs are very vulnerable to climate and disturbance during hibernation so they seek out safe and sheltered places to rest.

It Is hoped that once Joe the hedgehog is fighting fit he will be returned to the gardens of Oak Tree House and will find his way back to his home.