Hedgehog becomes trapped in pool at Norwich's Wensum Park

Now people are wondering if there are ramps for animals in the ponds and water features that are in use in Norwich parks.   

The hedgehog was helped out of the paddling pool and sent on it's way (Image: Submitted)

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On Sunday, July 3 a person who lives in NR3 was walking through Wensum Park when they saw something small running around in the paddling pool.   

They said: “When I got closer, I saw there was a hedgehog – there were footprints all over the base which told me it had been trying to escape all night.   

Ella, two, with her grandmother, Lyn Kemp, at the water channels at Waterloo Park (Image: Denise Bradley)

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“It looked healthy, just tired so I helped it out and went on my way. But it did get me thinking about the safety of various ponds and features across the city.”   

A spokesman from Friends of Wensum Park said: “The paddling pool will not be refilled again – but as the area is not used a lot it is not often checked for things like trapped hedgehogs.   

The disused paddling pool in Wensum park is impossible for hogs to get out of if they fall in (Image: Denise Bradley)

“Putting a small ramp would be a good idea until the area is redeveloped.”  

Wildlife expert Liam Smith has also rescued an animal from the same paddling pool.  

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The sides of the disused paddling pool are too deep meaning hedgehogs that fall in cannot get themselves out (Image: Submitted)

He said: “Providing water is very important for wildlife but it is equally important to make sure any wildlife that gets in can get back out again.   

“This can be as simple as a brick raising up out of the water in the shallow end to a specially made ramp for wildlife to enter and exit.” 

Waterloo park has a large water feature outside the pavilion (Image: Denise Bradley)

A spokesman at Norwich City Council said: “The various ponds and lakes in our parks are fantastic water sources for wildlife in the city, particularly during hot summers, and form a key part of our strategy to increase biodiversity across Norwich. 

“We’d like to say thank you to the members of the public who helped the hedgehog. The paddling pool in Wensum Park is being considered for improvements and any update would prevent this happening again.” 

Eaton Park is home of a very large body of water often used for boating (Image: Denise Bradley)

How to help a hedgehog in trouble

First, you must pick up a hedgehog in trouble - do this by using thick gardening gloves or a couple of towels to avoid being spiked.  

Next, you will need to find some emergency housing. The best thing to use is a deep box.  

The very tired hedgehog was lifted to safety (Image: Submitted)

Put some newspaper down and if there is a lid, make sure there are air holes.  

It is also likely that a stressed-out hog will need heat - this can be with a hot water bottle or heat pad.  

While the water can be a good source for animals - what are the safety measure if they fall in? (Image: Denise Bradley)

Place it down and then cover the hog with a towel to allow them to relax.  

Then once your hog is safe - call for help. 

Liam smith thinks bodies of water should have bricks or a ramp to help animals out if they fall in (Image: Liam Smith)