AN animal rescue charity says it is in ‘full preparation mode’ ahead of the arrival of the year’s first prickle of young hedgehogs.

Last year, ELM Wildlife took in more than 400 hoglets.

And the charity, which is based at Seale Hayne, is preparing to take in a similar volume this year.

‘We need to invest in some crucial new equipment as we expand our ability to look after so many hoglets’ a spokesperson for ELM Wildlife said.

‘We need more incubators, travel incubators, bottle warmers, sterilisers, heat pads and medical equipment’ the spokesperson added.

ELM Wildlife also need to buy the specialist food, milk formula and medications for the prospective hoglets.

In 2024, the charity’s supporters raised more than £1,400 in time for hoglet season, and it is trying to do the same this year.

‘We are trying to raise £1500 for these cute little babies, they need our help and we couldn’t do it without you!’ the spokesperson said.

For those that want to support ELM Wildlife, visit the GoFundMe website and enter ‘ELM Wildlife’ in the search-box.