Tiny trio's trip to Trelissick

THEY are only a few inches long and accompany dedicated "mum" Wendy Winstanley everywhere in a special bag held close to her chest.

The three baby hedgehogs, found after their mothers died, are in Wendy's tender care until they are big enough to be released.

This requires a feed every four hours, which means wherever Wendy goes – in this case Trelissick Gardens near Truro for a day out – the tiny trio go too.

"I've been doing this for so many years now that I don't really think about it," said Wendy, who is part of the team at Porfell Wildlife Park and Sanctuary near Liskeard. "I have a special cloth bag and there's a bed of animal blankets in there. I use a kitchen towel as a sort of nappy and a syringe with a nipple on it to feed them. I keep the bag close to my body so they get the warmth.

"They need feeding four times a day, the first at 6am and the last at midnight, so wherever I go, they go with me."

The two females and male hedgehogs were found starving by passers-by, who reported them to Wendy at Porfell.

At the moment they are between three and four weeks old and are about as many inches long. But although lightweight, they are still prickly and require careful handling. Hedgehogs are registered as a severely threatened species and anyone who finds a baby one should contact animal welfare groups immediately.

"If you see a baby hedgehog then that means there is a problem," said Wendy. "Their parents take very good care of them and will tuck them in away from harm.

"Actually seeing a baby hedgehog means that the parents have died and they need help."

To contact Wendy at Porfell, call 01503 220211.