Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary is a very successful local charity who rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs from Harpenden and surrounding villages that are then released back into the wild. Hedgehogs are on the list of endangered species. They also run a range of outreach and educational activities for the local community, focusing on schools, childrens groups and local environmental and wildlife groups. The charity has been running for 10 years and during that time has seen a significant growth in visitors which has seen a need to improve the facilities, particularly for special needs visitors and those with mobility issues. Nearly 100 Hedgehog Educational and Awareness Talks are held each year and as at the end of 2024 over 10000 children and adults have attended. At peak times some 40 - 80 hedgehogs are cared for.
The Community Fund have been delighted to have been able to support this continued growth and have just helped with improved facilities for the volunteers. Regular volunteers total over 100 and other volunteer groups help regularly at the sanctuary. A new facility has been constructed enabling the volunteers to meet and discuss and is of particular importance in the winter times when it is cold and wet outside. It will also be utilised by childrens groups during educational and awareness talks and group meetings, providing space for practical exercises and for the crafting of items that benefit both the hedgehogs and the Charity. 40 crafter volunteers work for the Charity producing a range of items that provide an excellent source of income. A success story providing real benefit to Harpenden and the surrounding area - already featured on the BBC and will shortly be on ITV too.
30 September 2025