Research from the Natural History Museum estimates that hedgehog populations have decreased by almost half over the last 13 years. To help protect these vulnerable animals in Wiltshire, Annington is supporting the Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital with a donation of £500. The funds will be split equally to cover the day-to-day costs of treating unwell baby hedgehogs, and to contribute to the charity’s fundraiser to build a new unit at the hospital. The hospital is located just a short distance from the Annington’s development in Allington, The Bluebells.

The donation from Annington will fully cover the costs of caring for 10 juvenile hedgehogs during the winter, the wildlife hospital’s busiest time of the year. The donation will be used to help pay for vital treatment and food for the baby hedgehogs, many of whom were suffering with lung worm and secondary gut infections. The donation will ensure that the hedgehogs are kept warm and healthy until they can be released in the Spring.

Louise Saunders, Sales and Marketing Manager at Annington, comments: “We are grateful for all of the hard work that the Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital does to help young and poorly hedgehogs receive the care that they so desperately need. We are proud to do our bit to support this diminishing species.”

The donation from Annington will also go towards the Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital’s fundraiser to build a new facility, which will increase the hospital’s capacity to care for more wildlife in Wiltshire.

Mike Korkis, Hospital Manager at Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital, comments: “We have received a steady influx of young hedgehogs every day since the beginning of November. These young hedgehogs were born in the late autumn due to mild weather patterns, but quickly became at risk when the temperature dropped. We are so grateful to Annington for its support, and the much-needed donation will help us to provide a safe home for hedgehogs both now and in the future.”

To support Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital or make a donation to its fundraising efforts, visit www.wiltshirewildlifehospital.co.uk.

Annington is building 17 four and five-bedroom detached family homes and a brand-new village hall at The Bluebells in Allington, just a short drive from Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital in Newton Tony. Prices at The Bluebells currently start from £565,000.

To find out more or register your interest visit www.allingtonbluebells.co.uk or call Hamptons International on 01722 417939.