Chris Bagnall writes:-

"Out walking our dog, Cassie, beside Ashbrook Farm yesterday I came across a young hedgehog lying on the path. We all know that hedgehogs are nocturnal creatures & that if one is found outside in daylight then there’s a problem. A phone call for help to Helen the hedgehog Lady of Bishop Monkton (who also happens to be my wife!) brought an immediate response along with a cardboard box. Once back at home she quickly diagnosed the problem - ‘fly strike”. This is a common but very unpleasant ailment for a hedgehog. Flies lay eggs on the young hoglet, which then proceed to feed off it. Here’s Helen painstakingly removing tiny eggs from all over its body for over can hour. The patient is in ICU in our shed with good hopes of recovery. We’ll keep you posted on developments."