About us

It all began with two hoglets and a girl who loved wildlife. Prickles and Paws was founded by mother and daughter duo Diane and Katy, becoming a registered charity in 2017. 

Katy always dreamt of working with wildlife and this began with the rehabilitation of two young hoglets through to release back into the wild but she couldn’t just stop there. Having attended wildlife rehabilitation courses and with guidance and support from other rescue centres and vets, Diane was quickly roped in for support as hedgehogs from across Cornwall were in need of assistance. Katy has now completed a degree in Applied Zoology, published a peer reviewed scientific paper on hedgehog parasitology and most recently completed a research master’s degree based on hedgehogs, resulting in two further scientific papers. Diane has found a new vocation and has chosen to delay her retirement, voluntarily working full time for the charity.

The charity has grown rapidly since the competition run by our local primary school to name us, we hope this development will continue and result in a full wildlife rescue centre for Cornwall one day soon.

small baby hoglet hedgehog rescue
hand fed hoglet rescue hedgehog

Meet the Team

Meet the Trustees

Meet Our Ambassadors