Our History
Hedgehog Helpline was founded in 1988 by our founders, Kay and Keith, who had each been rescuing hedgehogs independently for several years. Their partnership began after Kay wrote a letter to the Wildlife Trust magazine, to which Keith responded. From that chance connection grew an organisation that has spent almost four decades rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting hedgehogs, becoming the largest dedicated hedgehog rescue charity in Wales.
A pivotal moment came in 1988 when Keith sought veterinary assistance for an injured hedgehog. The consulting veterinary surgeon on duty was Graham, who had recently arrived from South Africa and had never treated a hedgehog before. His successful treatment not only saved that hedgehog but also marked the beginning of a remarkable partnership. Graham became Hedgehog Helpline’s volunteer veterinary surgeon, bringing invaluable clinical expertise that transformed the charity’s approach to wildlife rehabilitation.
Together, Kay, Keith, and Graham helped shape the future of Hedgehog Helpline. They expanded the charity’s reach across South Wales, increased public awareness of hedgehog conservation, and recruited and trained a dedicated network of volunteers committed to protecting one of Britain’s most loved mammals.
In 1995, Hedgehog Helpline became a registered charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity Number: 1046156), providing a strong foundation for continued growth and development.
For more than 40 years, our home-based rehabilitation network has successfully cared for thousands of sick, injured, and orphaned hedgehogs. Building on this legacy, in 2025 our Trustees embarked on the most ambitious chapter in the charity’s history: creating a purpose-built wildlife rehabilitation centre designed to provide seamless care from admission through treatment, rehabilitation, and ultimately release back into the wild.
During the summer of 2026, that vision became a reality. Our dedicated rehabilitation centre represents a major milestone, enabling us to enhance animal welfare, support more hedgehogs than ever before, expand volunteer training, and continue leading hedgehog conservation in Wales for generations to come.
Our Team
Veterinary Surgeon
Graham Blow BVSc MRCVS
Providing expert veterinary guidance and clinical oversight to support the highest standards of hedgehog rehabilitation and welfare.
Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership, ensuring Hedgehog Helpline remains true to its charitable objectives while continuing to grow and develop its services.
Chair: Graham Blow BVSc MRCVS
Treasurer: Sarah Jane Liney
Trustee: Angharad Carrington
Secretary
The Secretary provides administrative support to the charity, helping to ensure the smooth operation .
Founders
Hedgehog Helpline was established in 1988 by two passionate wildlife rehabilitators whose vision created what has become the largest dedicated hedgehog rescue in Wales.
Kay Bullen
Patrons
Our Patrons champion the work of Hedgehog Helpline, helping to raise awareness of hedgehog conservation and the vital role of wildlife rehabilitation.
Ambassador
Our Ambassador supports Hedgehog Helpline by promoting our mission, raising awareness of hedgehog conservation, and helping to inspire support for our work across Wales.