TWO rescued hedgehogs have been released back into the wild as part of a project to improve conservation efforts.

Rangers at Preston Park, Stockton, released hogs Sparkey and Hardy to establish their own territory within the park.

The team partnered up with Hoggy Stockton Rescue, run by Anne Walker and other volunteers around the Stockton area, with their oldest volunteer being 87.

On the evening of May 16, ranger Beka Lee and senior ranger David Neal were joined by Ms Walker and her mother, Patricia, to release the hedgehogs.

Sparkey was taken in by Hoggy Stockton Rescue when he was found underweight and outside during the day.

Hardy was rescued as a Hoglet with its mother and Laurel, a sibling.

Hardy's mother was released after weaning her babies while Laurel was released earlier this year.

The hogs will be monitored by the park rangers until they are well-established within the park.

Ms Lee said: “I think Anne and the other volunteers which run and support Hoggy Stockton Rescue are fantastic to care and help Hedgehogs.

"They are going above and beyond to minimise loss of hog life.

"We, the park rangers are grateful that we can continue this in the park through releasing them back into their natural environment which they can continue to live a happy and healthy life.

The Northern Echo:

"It is vital that we conserve hedgehogs not only here at Preston Park but on a much wider scale. With simple changes to our habits, such leaving wilder areas in gardens and creating holes at the bottom of fences, we can have positive impacts on hedgehog populations.

"I think it’s really fundamental that we all look at how our actions and behaviours can affect wildlife, even just the smallest of changes can have the biggest impact.

"If anybody does come across an injured hog, then please do either get in touch with the park rangers here at Preston Park Museum and Grounds or contact Hoggy Stockton Rescue via facebook and we will be happy to help in any way.”

More information about what to do if discovering a hedgehog in distress can be found at facebook.com/HoggyStocktononTees/