TWO hedgehogs who became trapped down a hole in Eastrop Park have been rescued by the RSPCA.

The prickly pair became stuck down a metal shaft when the RSCPA were contacted.

RSPCA Inspector Jan Edwards, who rescued the spikey duo, said: “I got there in the dark and found that the cover had come off the metal casing for a traffic control bollard with a hedgehog wedged tight in the hole.

“I was able to get the nylon noose of the grasper underneath and get him out.

“The cover to the bollard was in the hole underneath him and when I pulled that out I found another hedgehog underneath that, right at the bottom, a couple of feet down.”

Both hedgehogs recovered in the care of the team at The Stubbington Ark RSPCA Animal Shelter and have now been released back into the wild.

Hedgehog numbers in the UK are thought to be falling rapidly, with new roads, pesticides, and increasing development also contributing to their sad decline.

The animal welfare charity is encouraging people to do what they can to help and has hints and tips on their website on how to make gardens more welcoming places for hedgehogs.

Jan added: “We urge the public to become more hedgehog-aware. Simple things like checking before you start strimming or using your garden fork, remembering to put sports netting away when it’s not in use and keeping drains and holes covered can really make a difference and help protect the welfare of these iconic creatures.”

For more information visit rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals.