A Scotland Couple Turned Their House Into A “Hedgehog Haven”

Photo from Burntisland Hedgehog Haven

Andy and Sharon Longhurst have opened not only their home, but also their hearts. They have helped heal and rehabilitate more than 500 hedgehogs within 3 years.

How It Started

What began with one hedgehog in trouble on a roadside in Scotland grew into a full hedgehog rescue, guided by research, mentorship, and a deep desire to help.

From One Hedgehog To A Haven

Andy and Sharon Longhurst, located in Scotland, have been helping European hedgehogs for almost 3 years. And I know what you are thinking, they must be trained veterinarians, but you would be wrong.

They are simply an animal loving couple eager to help out every hedgehog that ends up on their doorstop. Their home is now referred to as Burntisland Hedgehog Haven.

Guided By Experience And Community Support

Their website provides information about how they got started, “Our journey into the hedgehog rescue began in the summer of 2022 when we found a hedgehog needing help at the roadside in Kirkcaldy. We took the hedgehog home and called the only hedgehog rescue in the area but they were unable to take it.

We released the hedgehog had fly strike so it was a race against time to get the much needed help it required. The SSPCA were busy so our only option was to drive the 50 mile round trip to the Fishcross wildlife centre.”

This sparked in-depth research about wild hedgehogs. Then when the Longhursts learned that Sandy Boyd, a dedicated hedgehog caregiver from Wormit in Fife had to retire after over 20 years because of health concerns.

Boyd donated his cages and other equipment to help the Longhursts get started in their rescue mission. Andy Longhurst said, “We learnt that there was a guy up in Wormit near St. Andrews that had been doing hedgehog rescue for 25-plus years and was looking for someone to take it over due to ill health. We went and had a chat with Sandy Boyd and he gave us valuable information and have some equipment to get us started.”

The Next Steps

As word spread, the Longhursts quickly outgrew their original setup, pushing them to fundraise, expand, and formalize their rescue so they could care for more hedgehogs in need.

Licensing And Growing Capacity

Without a license, they were only able to care for a maximum of 7 hedgehogs in Scotland. Once word got out about their rescue efforts, they found themselves overrun by people bringing injured hedgehogs right to their doorstep.

Shortly after that, they converted their garage to have more space. The Longhursts spent two years of fundraising their own money. Since then, “they’ve built a treatment ward in their garden, installed an ICU and over 40 rehab cages, as well as taken on 18 volunteers, established 3 rescue across Scotland, and even set up an ambulance service.”

Why Hedgehogs Need Extra Help

Hedgehogs are slow and have poor eyesight which leaves them vulnerable to vehicle strikes as well as other hazards. Sharon Longhurst said, “Hedgehogs were listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List in 2024 as they have declined between 30-75% in rural areas since the year 2000.”

When they began rescuing hedgehogs, it was surprising to learn how many of them needed urgent care. Mrs. Longhurst, mother to three children, has a soft spot for helping those in need. She has also said, “If there’s a hedgehog out there that needs help and it’s in pain, I can’t say no, we have to help it. We always say we have to draw a line, we cannot take any more but then you get that phone call and we’re like, ‘come on, bring it in.”

How It Is Going

Today, Burntisland Hedgehog Haven operates like a small hospital, with wards, volunteers, and regional coverage, while also teaching people how to keep hedgehogs safe.

A Growing Network Of Care

The rescue center has three wards and the Longhurst can now care for up to 40 hedgehogs. They have a team of volunteers to help with cleaning, weighing, and checking the hedgehogs regularly.

An article about their selfless and essential rescues explains, “Part of their mission is also to educate the public on how to create a safe space in their own garden. They’ve rescued hedgehogs from practically every malady imaginable, from vehicle strikes to fly larvae infestations, infections, wounds from dogs, wounds from gardening tools, and even one fellow whose spikes got tangled in a soccer net. If they need antibiotics or an x-ray, they’ll send them off to the vet, as they’re not certified for that level of care.”

I am not familiar with the geography of Scotland, but in case you happen to be, their care covers Edinburgh, The Lothian’s, and Fife, and as far out as Berwick, and Falkirk. The Longhursts were awarded the BBC Make A Difference Award in the Animal Category and were featured on Channel 5 News as Heroes of the Week.

Previously, they have also won the “Animal All Star” award out of the whole UK and even received a mention in Parliament.

Words From The Heroes Themselves

In their own words, the Longhursts point back to the community, the hedgehogs, and the hope that their work will help the species survive.

Gratitude, Community, And Hope

Andy Longhurst offered thanks to those who were able to donate and help out, “We couldn’t do it without everybody’s help.” Sharon Longhurst added, “The way the community has taken hedgehogs into their hearts as well, now the awareness is out there. It’s brilliant.”

Before the Longhursts can release the hedgehogs they have to be at a healthy weight of about 1.8 pounds. About their release, Sharon Longhurst said, “Our hope is that they go out, stay safe, reproduce and keep the species going.”

We all hope the Longhurst continue their life changing rescues and that they have the support to do so. For more on how small acts of care can change lives, see Mending Invisible Frays: How Kindness Heals What Words Can’t.