La Grande Mare and GSPCA team up for hedgehog rescue

Thanks to the swift actions of the team at La Grande Mare and the GSPCA, a hedgehog who was found hobbling on the golf course in a poorly state is enjoying a second lease of life in her west coast habitat.

The hedgehog, affectionately named Charley Hull in a nod to the golfing spirit of the course, was found by the team during daylight hours, limping and dehydrated.

Following established wildlife protocol, staff alerted Grace Dovey, La Grande Mare’s Ecologist and Environmental & Sustainability Operations Officer. She then cared for the hedgehog before contacting the GSPCA and arranging a safe transfer to the centre, so Charley could receive the expert care and rehabilitation she needed.

After a short stay at the centre, Grace collected Charley earlier this week and carefully reintroduced her to her natural habitat at La Grande Mare.

Speaking about the rescue, Grace said: “It was great to team up with the GSPCA again, and we are so pleased that Charley was safely and successfully returned home. There have been a few occasions where we have joined forces with the GSPCA to care for poorly wildlife.

“We previously found two hedgehogs wandering during daylight hours, which is a concerning sign for these normally nocturnal animals. Having rescued the pair - named Seve Ballesteros and Dame Laura Davies – we worked closely with the GSPCA to support their rehabilitation.

“Staff education on local wildlife is central to our efforts to safeguard the diverse species found on the course, and we aredelighted by the high level of engagement shown by the team. They regularly ask questions and enthusiastically share their daily wildlife sightings with me - an approach which greatly enhances our conservation efforts here at La Grande Mare.

Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager and CEO, said: "The declining hedgehog population here in Guernsey is a worry, so it's great that the team at La Grande Mare acted so quickly and competently to bring this poorly hedgehog to us and ensure Charley’s story had a happy ending. We've teamed up on a few animal rescues, and it's great to collaborate in safeguarding the island's wildlife in this way.

“Helping injured wildlife is the biggest part of what we do at the GSPCA, with over 3000 helped annually. Only six years ago, we saw more hedgehogs than ever, with 729 coming through our doors. However, in recent years, that number has sadly dropped to just 301 in 2025. Over the last 15 years, numbers have fluctuated, with an average of 400-500 helped each year.

“Hedgehogs struggle to hibernate here in Guernsey due to our mild weather, meaning hedgehogs are often up throughout the winter months. As we move into spring, increasing numbers of hedgehogs need help, especially mums with their hoglets. There are many ways to help our hedgehogs, from putting out food to leaving areas where hedgehogs can create a home in your garden.”

For more information on the GSPCA, including fundraising for its biggest build in 153 years, which will have rooms and areas for hedgehogs, visit www.gspca.org.gg