Caring for the hedgehogs of Fife and beyond…
Where Hedgehogs Come First
Who are we?
At Burntisland Hedgehog Haven we care for orphaned, sick and injured hedgehogs until they are fit to be released back into the wild. We’re run by Sharon and Andy Longhurst and a team of dedicated volunteers, and we’re funded entirely by donations and community support.
Part of our mission is to teach people how to create a safe space in their own gardens, and to inspire compassion towards wildlife. We are a registered rehabilitator with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, a member of the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council and part of SHeRA, and we follow all their up-to-date guidance.
Our mission is to treat orphaned, sick and injured hedgehogs so they can return to the wild and help stop the decline of hedgehogs. Our mission, vision and values → We help hedgehogs from all over Fife.
What do we do?
Rescue and rehabilitation
We treat hedgehogs that are sick, injured or orphaned, with intensive care, parasite checks under the microscope and vet treatment when needed. We work closely with a local veterinary practice and fund all care through donations.
Recovery storiesHedgehog awareness
Andy’s Hedgehog Awareness roadshow visits schools and community groups, and we’re always happy to give advice on how gardens can help hedgehogs: food, water, nest boxes and safe access.
Help in your gardenWhy hedgehogs?
Hedgehogs were listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List in 2024, having declined by 30–75% in rural areas since the year 2000. Every hedgehog we return to the wild matters.
Read our storyLatest news
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Co-op Local Community Fund: choose us again as your cause
We have been chosen again for the Co-op Local Community Fund. Thank you to everyone who supported us, and please choose us again.
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Our hedgehog raffle is on, with great prizes to win
Our raffle has some great prizes and tickets are just £1 each. We will be drawing it next weekend.
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Skip the fake cobwebs this Halloween to keep wildlife safe
Decorating outside for Halloween? Please skip the fake cobwebs, as they are a hazard for birds and hedgehogs.
Read more →Release stories
The best part of what we do: hedgehogs going home.
Bertie II is back home in Auchtermuchty after lungworm
Bertie II came into the rescue in June thin, dehydrated and walking high. After treatment he has been released back to Auchtermuchty weighing 1092g.
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AJ the hedgehog rescued from a hole in Cowdenbeath
AJ was found stuck down a hole by the Astro pitch at Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre. She weighed 223g then, and she left us at 743g.
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Aurora the hedgehog is back in the wild in Auchtermuchty
Aurora, another of our summer admissions, has been released back to Auchtermuchty after arriving very thin and poorly at the end of May.
Read more →In the press
Our story has been shared on the BBC, ITV, Channel 5 and the Kelly Clarkson Show, and in newspapers from Fife to Washington, Portugal and Greece. Thank you to everyone who has helped spread the word about hedgehogs.
BBC NewsroundFeatured on BBC Newsround: Helping Save Britain’s Hedgehogs
The Kelly Clarkson ShowThank You to The Kelly Clarkson Show for Featuring Us
Fife TodayBurntisland charity aiming to give hedgehogs the edge
The Kelly Clarkson ShowWe’re Appearing on The Kelly Clarkson Show!
BBC One ShowFeatured on The One Show in Landmark Moment for Awareness
What people say
“I recently rescued a wee hog and phoned Burntisland Hedgehog Haven for some advice. Within the hour they came to pick him up. Both were fantastic and it was clear they love the work that they do. Fantastic charity – thank you both for dedicating your time to saving these amazing wee animals.”
“This is the most professional hedgehog rescuer I’ve ever met in Fife. The Burntisland Haven is immaculate and all the hedgehogs are so well cared for. The people who run it are so kind and kept me informed about the young hedgehog I found. If I hadn’t taken him to this sanctuary he would have died. I cannot recommend them enough.”
“Sharon gives the very best possible care to the hedgehogs in her charge, keeping in mind at all times that these are wild animals who should return to their natural habitat as quickly as possible. She always keeps finders up to date and returns hedgehogs to the place they came from wherever possible.”
Read more kind words
“I phoned Burntisland Hedgehog Haven because I was concerned about two hedgehogs that live in our garden. The gentleman gave me so much information about habitat, hibernation and food, which was second to none. We feel more confident having hogs in our garden after our conversation. A massive thanks to the Haven.”
“Sharon has given me the best advice and support for the three babies I rescued in my garden, all too small to survive the winter. She certainly knows her stuff and cares a lot for them.”
“We gave recognition to this wonderful charity for the extraordinary things they do for hedgehogs. Sharon and Andy work tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate this endangered species. Having been awarded Highly Commended in our northern region, we chose them for our Animal All Star award.”
“I came across a hedgehog in the middle of a main road and found Burntisland Hedgehog Haven. Sharon urged me to bring the little hedgehog in, with a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel in the box. I was amazed by their facility and the professionalism and guidance offered by Sharon and Andy. Sharon kept me updated on Sammie’s progress, which was touch and go for a good wee while.”
“My partner spotted a hedgehog on the pavement in broad daylight, shaking, with a big lump on his face. He didn’t curl up when we approached, so we knew he was in trouble. Luckily we’d just read about the new hedgehog rescue in the local paper, so we found the contact details and called it in.”
100% of donations go to the hedgehogs
Vet bills, medication, incubators and food. Every penny helps.