Celebrating our WCB 3rd Anniversary...

We are so happy to celebrate this milestone: our WCB 3rd Anniversary.

We're celebrating it a bit belatedly, as it was in February 2025 (and we are posting this on the 23rd March) but we had so many new WCB Holder Applicants in January/February that we were too busy to post!

The WCB Holders ARE the WCB...

This post is to share their words (from some of them) on what the WCB & this anniversary means to them. [If you'd like to see what we've been up to since our founding/launch, you can check out our Timeline Thus Far (posted on our 2nd Anniversary) and our 2024 Report.] Thanks for reading...

Rachel - Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue:

“The WCB allows us to show veterinary professionals, members of the public, our trustees and those seeking to work with us that we operate our rescue to a standard agreed by others within the unregulated industry of wildlife rehabilitation. It gives confidence to our partners and supporters.

It has provided a likeminded community and promotes continuous learning and reflection to promote higher standards of welfare for animals. We are proud to be part of the WCB.”

Jon - Brinsley Animal Rescue:

“The Wildlife Care Badge is very important to our organisation, it’s also vital to our industry. Wildlife Rescue is an unregulated wild west. There are many fantastic organisations doing great work in saving our precious wildlife.Unfortunately, due to a lack of that regulation, there are also too many places and people with great intentions, but who lack the support of others, the support of a vet and access to treatment, and the public can't tell them apart!

We see the WCB stepping into this void and doing so in a truly amazing way, three years and counting demonstrates the need and it’s great success. We are proud to hold the Badge for all species, it demonstrates we want regulation, that we meet our self-imposed standards. We have learnt a lot, not only from meeting the badge’s standards, but also in working with other organisations.

The badge isn't just recognition of meeting a high standard that wildlife deserves, it’s also a community of great people and organisations who, together, don't have self-interest at heart, only the interest in the overall welfare of wildlife.

The badge has grown year on year, now other organisations are waking up to its need and its success. We dream of the day everyone is regulated and supported in some way, for us it’s the WCB way!!”

Julia - Hindley Hedgehog Help:

“I feel it's imperative that high standards are set and maintained, for the well being of the animals in our care.

This, I hope, prevents people randomly attempting to care for an animal, when they are not in a position to do so, and therefore the animal is in dangerous hands.

It also feels good to be part of an organisation where people thrive to be the best at what they do.”

Yvonne - Stabbo & Sandiacre Spikey Rescue:

“As a new rescue I wanted to ensure I was doing things right. As a retired nurse I knew the importance of record keeping and accountability, so when I heard about the WCB I thought, ‘well if you can't get this then you need to improve and shouldn't be practising.’

Now more experienced I have unfortunately come across some appalling practice from some rescues. I really wish there could be more regulation and it became compulsory.

While this isn't happening anytime soon then, as more rescues get the WCB, finders and vets will be able to pick the best place to send an animal and this will drive change.

*Just an after thought... Before nurse registration became compulsory a group of nurses set up a voluntary register, they had to have received training etc. This eventually became the Royal College of nursing. The government eventually brought in compulsory registration. In veterinary practice they copied this but the royal college of veterinary surgeons are in charge.”

Julie - Croft Hogs Home:

“Inspired by other Hedgehog Rescues who proudly shared their achievement on FB, I wanted to get the WCB badge to demonstrate that Croft Hogs Home operates to the same high standard of care.

The WCB is an incredible initiative that unites passionate wildlife rehabilitators within a network dedicated to sharing knowledge and building a community that embodies the collective belief that wildlife rehabilitation should be regulated to the same standards that we expect of domestic animal welfare.

The WCB process has allowed us to develop a really positive, collaborative relationship with our local vet. Their endorsement was key to being awarded the WCB but also created the opportunity for them to see and understand our rescue facility first hand, which was brilliant! They know we are equipped for the dedicated care of Hedgehogs, something which understandably they are not, but working together we can make such a difference.

Reaching the 3rd anniversary is a terrific milestone, congratulations Alana! It is testament to the belief that when there is strength in numbers we can realise a common goal that will benefit the nation’s wildlife and protect it to the best of our ability. I am so proud to say Croft Hogs Home is a WCB holder, thank you for creating the opportunity to be one!”

Joanne & Terry - Pepperfield Farm Hedgehog Rescue:

“We applied to be part of the WCB pretty much as soon as Alana set it up.

When we started rehabbing we were shocked to find out that there were few regulations in place and that a lot of (well intentioned) rescuers were working without professional support or any form of mentoring from experienced rehabbers.

We were lucky (and still are) with the support we have but we wanted to be totally transparent about what happens here and how we do things. The WCB has not only been an additional source of support and advice but also an inspiration to be the best we can be.

It’s a forum of like minded wildlife carers who are not afraid to be accountable and open minded to seeking / sharing best practice. The CPD is invaluable in guiding new practices as we learn more from the science behind changes in protocols.Taking the KAs has also given our volunteers more confidence, not only to handle and care for the hedgehogs here but to help educate the wider public.

Well done Alana, you are one of the most dedicated and passionate people on this planet. We are proud to be part of this venture.”

Rob - Garforth Hedgehogs Rescue:

“I wanted my Rescue to be the best it can be. The WCB gives rescues recognition that you have the knowledge but, more importantly, accountability in the running and standards of that rescue work to achieve.

Without the WCB it hard to judge where your rescue is and if you are meeting a good standard for the animals in your care.

I think we are close to renewing our 3rd renewal and I look forward to achieving this for many more years to come to ensure that the rescue meets the standards of care for the hedgehogs in our care.

The WCB is also a good way to inform the public that we have an oversight to allow them to know we are a good rescue to look after the poorly hedgehogs we take in. Even if they don't all make it, they have the comfort they gave it to a rescue with high standards of care.

I am also proud that so many of my volunteers and fosterers have also achieved the KA award giving me more confidence that all working in the rescue have the required standards and work proactively with us in the rescue.”

Deborah - Hedgepigs:

"The WCB is incredibly important to me. When I do things I like to do them well and to the best of my ability.

Taking the knowledge assessment and having the inspection told me that I was on the right path. It has given me some great ideas for improvements too!

I have such great relationships with the other rescues in my area, and it is wonderful to be able to extend that to rescues who I might otherwise never have been in contact with, all over the country.

The best part is that when someone calls, and they aren’t local to me and they want to know where they can go, I can see the accredited rescue list and advise them of the rescues in their area, working hard to maintain a great standard for the animals they take in.

I hope that one day all rescues are happy to be held to the standards of the badge, so much so that Hedgepigs is super happy to sponsor the window stickers for everyone getting the badge for the first time and also those renewing.”

Irene - Lowton Hedgehog Rescue:

“When the WCB was first launched I saw it as a fantastic opportunity to fine-tune and enhance my procedures and policies.

After 3 years of holding this Badge (with annual renewals) it has done many things for me and the hedgehog rescue that I run. The main thing is accountability for the care that is given to our hedgehogs and the evidence that can be provided to substantiate that.

The Wildlife Care Badge is becoming more widely accepted as a way to show the public that wildlife rescues are giving the animals the best care possible, together with appropriate veterinary services when needed.”

Heather - The Hedgehoggery:

“Congratulations on your 3rd Anniversary! Having had my WCB for three years I believe it’s important to be a regulated rescue.

It gives confidence to people bringing in hedgehogs (in our case) that we are a reputable rescue and we have very high standards of care.

We have support from the WCB team and that the WCB community is growing is testament to other rescues that feel it’s a very worthwhile feather in their cap.”

Val - Hoggieworts Hedgehog Helpers:

“I have always believed that wildlife rescue should be regulated.

However, in the absence of such regulation, I felt that the WCB goes someway towards proving a level of competency. I wanted a way of showing the public, and the vets who support me, that I take this role extremely seriously and that they can have confidence in my abilities when entrusting me with a casualty.

I really hope that the WCB continues to grow and gain momentum.”

Sabrina - (Garforth Hedgehogs Rescue Volunteer & Enhanced Fosterer):

“I decided to pass the KA (under Garforth Hedgehogs Rescue's WCB Badge) because I wanted to learn more about wildlife and make sure that everything I do is done in a controlled and regulated manner.

Getting the KA certificate and volunteering at a hedgehog rescue means the world to me!

Getting the certificate was better than anything I have ever done in my other career and I am proud to be a volunteer and enhanced fosterer.”

Sue - Anglesey Hedgehog Rescue:

“We decided that we would achieve the WCB to ensure we work at the highest standard we can for the sake of the animals in our care, to be accountable for everything we do (in the absence of government legislation).

As a bonus of being WCB holders we can network with other WCB holders to share ideas & practices … something we have already been able to do which is helping our local veterinary practices.

We are also happy to support WCB holders who are just venturing into wildlife rehabbing. The WCB is a great community of like minded rehabbers & we are very proud to be part of it & support it so that it stays & grows year on year.”

Beth - Feline & Wildlife Rescue:

“I got the (first...) WCB after rehabbing for a little while.

As an RVN and previously a zoo keeper it came naturally to me that to be able to look after animals you should have the relevent qualifications and requirements. It still blows my mind that caring for wildlife is not regulated and this is what brought me to the WCB.

Being able to demonstrate the understanding and ability to care for wildlife myself, and also knowing our vet practice could send to another without worry was exactly why I have always supported the badge.

It's an absolute achievement to be three years running but a testament to Alana, she is possibly the most dedicated person I have met (even to her own detriment). I hope people continue to see the importance of the message behind the badge and it keeps growing!”

Lucy - Wild Things Rescue (& WCB Co-Developer):

“I'm so pleased to see the Wildlife Care Badge going from strength to strength, happy 3rd anniversary!

Not only has the WCB helped to highlight the lack of regulation in the wildlife industry, but it has also brought like-minded rehabbers together - making it easier to share knowledge and experiences.

It's great to be part of a supportive community that includes rehabbers in a variety of settings - from solo home rehabbers to centres. I'm incredibly proud to have been part of developing the WCB and look forward to seeing what the next 3 years bring!”

Fiona - Urchins Hedgehog Care, York:

“Hi. In May I will be renewing my WCB membership for the 3rd time. I'm so pleased I was a part of this scheme from the beginning.

It's fabulous to see many more rescues and carers coming on board and it makes me happy for all those who have put so much time into this to see it grow.

The WCB community is invaluable and the records I submit already formed part of what I was practicing but have ensured that I stay on track and learn new ways.

On a personal note for me, rescue is about rehab and release and accountability. I have cringed and felt sad over the years seeing some rescue facilities and certain social media posts and hope that eventually those who do not meet minimum standards of wildlife care realise that they can/should no longer continue. It's all about the wildlife that cannot speak. Alana, thank you for your support. X”

Julie - Great Hogmond Street:

“Well what can I say but, ‘It’s an absolutely fantastic scheme. I would encourage all rescues to be part of the WCB. If you’ve got nothing to hide and you’re doing everything to a high standard, please join. It’s the animals that are so important.’

Thank you for all the hard word done behind the scenes.

I’m so proud to be part of the WCB ❤️”

Here's to another wonderful year ahead!

From, the WCB Team xx