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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A hedgehog can look well and still be very poorly
A hedgehog can be eating and look lively yet be extremely poorly with lungworm. Here is why a hedgehog out in the day always needs advice from a resc…
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Keep fake cobwebs indoors to protect wildlife
Fake cobwebs outdoors are a danger to wildlife, even when they are off the ground. Please keep them indoors.
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Find us at the Burntisland Makers Market this Sunday
We'll be at the Burntisland Makers Market this Sunday 25th October, 11am to 3pm, with hedgehog crafts.
Read more →Release stories
The best part of what we do: hedgehogs going home.
Susan the hedgehog goes home to Auchtermuchty
Susan was found out in the daytime in Auchtermuchty with a head wound, weighing just 322g. She made a full recovery and went home at 781g.
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Fred the hedgehog is released after a daytime rescue
Little Fred arrived weighing just 283g and has now been released at 802g after treatment for roundworm and lungworm.
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Haaland and Dandelion are back home after rescue
Two of our wee patients, Haaland and Dandelion, have recovered and been released back to Cowdenbeath and Kinghorn.
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.