Hi Penny
If you read the document
http://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BHPS-Guidance-For-relasing-Rehabilitated-Hedgehogs.pdf
carefully you will see it also refers to the problems of large numbers of hogs being released in locations other than where they came from. (The stately home thing is one aspect, but not the only one). The document says:
Furthermore, it has been reported that some rehabilitators will use the same garden or patch of land for many releases. To ensure success, multiple hedgehogs should not be released into one area (unless they originated there).
I’m sorry but I don’t think it is understandable any hog rescuers not being able to keep a record and keep track of where hedgehogs came from – it’s not rocket science. If the person doesn’t want to give their exact address, at least they could be asked for the location that the hog came from, so that the hog could be released as near to where it came from as possible. The document actually says if a hog cannot be released exactly where it came from i.e. dog attack:
we would then advise release in the same area, but not in that garden. Sometimes no information is available for the exact site the hedgehog was found; in that case every effort should be made to locate the origin of the hedgehog, even if it’s just the general area.
Releasing large numbers of hogs other than where they came from could actually ultimately be doing more harm than good and could be negatively impacting on the existing population in those locations.
After all the work that has been done caring for the hogs, it is vital that this document is read in full and taken careful note of and followed by everyone otherwise some people’s actions could inadvertently be damaging the wider hedgehog population which I am sure is the very last thing they would want.
I’m glad to hear your patient is doing well and will soon be able to go home. I agree with you about collecting the hogs yourself from carers. I have always delivered and collected any hogs which have needed to go to the local wildlife hospital and would encourage everyone who has transport to do likewise.
