What Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue does

Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue is a UK-registered charity (No. 1174597) founded in 2017 by Diane and Katy South, operating from a purpose-built facility called the Hogspital on the Carnanton Estate near Newquay, Cornwall. The charity provides rescue, rehabilitation, and release services for sick, injured, and orphaned hedgehogs admitted from across Cornwall and parts of west Devon and Plymouth, with annual capacity of up to 1,400 admissions. Its science-led approach is underpinned by three peer-reviewed scientific papers authored by co-founder Katy South (covering parasitology, infrared-thermography-based hypothermia diagnosis, and hibernation patterns) and ongoing research partnerships including the Prickles Project with the University of Exeter Penryn Campus.

The operational backbone comprises 3 full-time-equivalent staff supported by 150+ volunteers in roles such as hedgehog carers, response drivers, and community ambassadors. Lead veterinary care is provided by St Clement Veterinary Clinic, and a partnership with RAF St Mawgan has supported the release of over 100 hedgehogs over more than four years. Technology includes a custom in-house record-keeping application developed by the Voluntary Director of Digital Strategy and an infrared-thermography protocol for non-invasive hypothermia diagnosis. The organisation is fully self-funded — it receives no government funding — and generated £8,744 from the Easy Fundraising platform alone by 2025.

Revenue is generated through a diversified, community-led model: individual donations and the Prickle Planet monthly giving programme at £9/month; educational talks delivered in-person and via Zoom/Teams to schools, youth groups, and community organisations at £35–£100 per session; an online merchandise shop; virtual gift packages ranging from £5 to £100 for specific care activities; and a tiered business sponsorship programme starting at £100/year with Hogspital room-naming sponsorships at approximately £10,000 guide donation. Distribution is exclusively direct-to-consumer digital (own e-commerce site, website booking, Stripe/PayPal payment processing) with no physical retail presence. In February 2026 the charity moved from a residential back-garden site in Cubert into the new Hogspital, with a second building targeted for summer 2027 completion.

Name

Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue

Legal name

Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue

Website

https://pricklesandpaws.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Prickles and Paws is a Cornwall-based UK registered wildlife rehabilitation charity that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases sick, injured, and orphaned hedgehogs from across Cornwall and parts of Devon. It operates a science-led, community-funded model from a purpose-built Hogspital facility with capacity for 1,400 annual admissions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Rehabilitation Services

NAICS

Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Veterinary Services (54194)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid (BPAGAIAD), Lost & Found, Reunification & Microchipping Programs (BPAGAIAL)

Keywords

• Wildlife rehabilitation
• Hedgehog rescue
• Animal charity
• Wildlife education
• Conservation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Newquay

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Primary revenue stream from public donations, one-time and recurring. Includes the Prickle Planet monthly giving programme, general donations, and fundraising events like March for Hogs. The rescue does not receive government funding and relies solely on community support.
2. Merchandise and Product Sales: Online shop selling hedgehog-themed merchandise including clothing, accessories, homeware, and gift items. Also offers virtual gifts (sponsorship packages) starting from £5 for specific care activities like feeding or treatment.
3. Educational Talks and Sessions: Fee-based educational talks to community groups, schools, and youth organizations. In-person talks range from £40-100 depending on group size; online sessions are £35.
4. Business Sponsorship: Corporate sponsorship programme with opportunities starting at £100 per year. Includes room naming rights at the Hogspital (approximately £10,000 guide donation). Sponsors receive promotion to over 46,000 social media followers and 30,000 annual website visitors.
5. Third-Party Fundraising Platforms: Revenue through Easy Fundraising (reported £8,744 raised), Amazon Wishlist donations, Give-a-Car vehicle donation programme, and legacy gifts through wills.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue is a UK registered charity (No. 1174597) that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases sick, injured, and orphaned hedgehogs admitted from across Cornwall and parts of west Devon and Plymouth. The rescue operates a purpose-built Hogspital facility capable of up to 1,400 admissions annually, supported by science-led protocols and a network of approved release sites across Cornwall.

Product overview

Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue operates as a single-focus wildlife rehabilitation charity offering hedgehog rescue and rehabilitation as its core service. The organization supports this core offering through educational programs delivered via Zoom, Teams, and in-person sessions, a merchandise shop selling hedgehog-themed products, virtual gift donations for specific care needs, hedgehog and hutch sponsorship packages, monthly giving through Prickle Planet, a network of approved release sites across Cornwall, and volunteer engagement programs. The recent launch of the Hogspital facility in February 2026 represents a significant infrastructure expansion from the original back-garden setup.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Hedgehog Rescue and Rehabilitation Services
• Educational Talks Program
• Hog Shop Merchandise
• Virtual Gift Donations
• Prickle Planet Monthly Giving
• Hedgehog Sponsorship Pack
• Hutch Sponsorship
• Hedgehog Release Site Network
• Business Sponsorship Programme

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,214 hedgehogs rescued in 2025; 1,428 in 2024 (record year)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• GuesthoominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Independently owned holiday letting agent providing end-to-end property management services across South West, focusing on Devon and Cornwall. Director William Asbury: 'We strongly believe in investing back into local communities.'
• Three Mile BeachminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Collection of 19 luxury beach houses available to rent in Gwithian, Cornwall. Designed for bohemian beachside living combining self-catering with 5-star hotel comforts. Supporting Hogspital build.
• Search HogminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Content marketing agency consisting of SEO specialists helping achieve higher rankings, more traffic and business.
• Star Linen Hire St IvescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFounder corporate sponsor of the new Hogspital, sponsoring the Intensive Care Area/Room. Specialises in providing bed linen and towels to holiday lets in St Ives and surrounding area. Managing Director Stephen Prothero's grandfather's surname was 'Hogg', creating personal connection to the cause.
• Electrical Safety Consultants Ltd (ESC)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of the maternity area at the Hogspital. Provides consultation on electrical design and authorising engineer services across South West and Wales. Volunteer Chris Bray has been involved with the rescue for many years.
• St Clement Veterinary CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead veterinary provider for the rescue. Head vet Chris Gardner brings extensive wildlife experience and knowledge. Works closely with rescue staff on hedgehog treatment protocols.
• RAF St MawgancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRelease site partnership spanning over 4 years. Large, safe area free from natural predators with 20+ nest boxes and rewilded areas dedicated to hedgehog conservation. Over 100 hedgehogs released at this site.
• Aspects HolidaysminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCornish holiday letting agency and business sponsor offering fully managed letting service with range of properties including sea-facing apartments, romantic retreats, dog-friendly cottages and family houses.
• Star RefuseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSister company of Star Linen, experienced waste collection company specialising in holiday home refuse and recycling collections.
• In-FormminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness sponsor promoting the rescue through their platform.
• Gardner Distribution (HTG)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness sponsor/distributor partner.
• OatkingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness sponsor supporting the rescue.
• ClassicminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness sponsor supporting the rescue.
• Linggard and ThomasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness sponsor supporting the rescue.
• Lovat ParksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness sponsor supporting the rescue.
• Mawgan GardenersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness sponsor supporting the rescue.
• Dr Kelly Moyes / University of ExetercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearcher running the Prickles Project - ongoing scheme with students at University of Exeter's Penryn Campus monitoring hedgehog populations and spreading awareness on importance of conserving wild hedgehogs in Cornwall.
• Warvena ConstructionminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBuilding contractor engaged for Hogspital construction. Due on site from April 2025 to progress with next stage of works for Building A.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue: Scotland's only dedicated wildlife rescue centre, treating and rehabilitating native wildlife. Comparable in being a single-site rescue hospital reliant on donations, volunteers, and educational outreach.
• Tiggywinkles (St Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital): One of the UK's largest and best-known wildlife hospitals, treating and rehabilitating injured and sick wild animals including hedgehogs. Directly comparable in mission, donation-based model, and educational outreach to Prickles and Paws.
• Wildlife Aid Foundation: Surrey-based wildlife rescue and rehabilitation charity founded by Simon Cowell, treating thousands of wild animals annually. Comparable in donation-driven model, volunteer base, and educational talks business to Prickles and Paws.
• Secret World Wildlife Rescue: Somerset-based wildlife rescue and rehabilitation charity that takes in sick, injured and orphaned wild animals including hedgehogs. Operates on a similar volunteer- and donation-led model with a dedicated hospital facility and education program.
• Vale Wildlife Hospital: Gloucestershire-based wildlife hospital providing rescue, rehabilitation and release services for British wildlife, with a substantial hedgehog caseload. Closely comparable operations, fundraising approach, and educational outreach to Prickles and Paws.

Broad incumbents

• RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): The UK's largest animal welfare charity, operating wildlife hospitals, rescue services, and welfare investigations nationwide. Comparable in animal rescue and rehabilitation mission but operates at vastly greater scale and scope as a broad incumbent.
• Wildlife Trusts (The Wildlife Trusts): UK federation of 46 local wildlife trusts working on conservation, education, and habitat protection. Comparable in wildlife education and community engagement mission, but operates at national federation scale across broader biodiversity rather than single-species rescue.

Emerging players

• Badger Trust: National charity dedicated to badger welfare and conservation in the UK. Comparable in operating as a single-species wildlife welfare charity with regional volunteer networks, advocacy, and education programs.
• Bat Conservation Trust: UK charity focused on bat conservation, including rescue and rehabilitation of injured bats. Comparable as a single-species wildlife welfare charity built on science-led advocacy, volunteer networks, and donor support.

Regional players

• British Hedgehog Preservation Society: UK-wide charity dedicated to hedgehog conservation, advocacy, and education. Directly comparable species focus but operates as a national advocacy and grant-giving body rather than a hands-on rescue hospital.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/pricklesandpaws
• Instagraminstagram.com/prickles_and_paws
• TikToktiktok.com/@prickles_and_paws
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/prickles-and-paws

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue