Rosyth-based Forth Hedgehog Hospital, has received a £1,000 donation from trunk road maintenance company BEAR Scotland, which looks after the Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing.

Forth Hedgehog Hospital, which has been caring for sick and injured hedgehogs from across Scotland for the last nine years, is the first local cause to receive a financial boost in 2023 as part of all BEAR’s local and regional charity commitment which sees staff nominate causes that are important to them.

This is the third year of the initiative that see six local causes based in areas where BEAR operates receive a funding boost.

Forth Hedgehog Hospital was nominated by BEAR Scotland, Assistant Environmentalist, Jennifer Reid. As Jennifer was unable to visit the hedgehogs, her co-worker Alex Dixon went along to see meet the team and see first-hand the work that goes into to caring for hedgehogs.

Iain Murray, BEAR Scotland’s Managing Director said: “BEAR Scotland remains committed to supporting the communities and environment that we live and work in. This is a great initiative and has proved a successful cog within our wider charity giving strategy. Asking staff to nominate local causes allows them to make a tangible difference within their own communities.

“We hope this funding boost to Forth Hedgehog Hospital will help them stop the slowly decreasing number of hedgehogs in Scotland.”

Nadia Al-Dujaili, Forth Hedgehog Hospitals Founder, said: “The number of injured hedgehogs rises at this time of year, as we approach summer, there are more baby hedgehogs around, and people start gardening. We can stock up on food and blankets and it can also go towards vet bills. It means we will be able to help more hedgehogs.”

Information will be shared about each of the regional charities and how BEAR is supporting them over the next few months.