Islanders are being asked to be mindful of baby hedgehogs.

The warning comes from Ray Allibone, of Swampy’s Wildlife Rescue, after he had to pick up five of the tiny creatures from a house in Minster after they had been accidentally dug up.

One later died but the other four survived and are now fully weaned and feeding themselves and will eventually be released back into the wild.

They are pictured here in Mr Allibone’s hand at about a week old.

Mr Allibone, of Diamond Court, Sheerness, said if anyone is unsure about where to look, they can phone him for advice.

He said: “They can nest in some strange places if you have an open greenhouse, shed or even a garage.

“Once they have been disturbed the mum will abandon them so they must be brought to us as soon as possible.

“Sometimes if something has happened to the mum, hoglets will come out of their nest in search for her in sheer desperation as they will be getting very hungry. They will be calling a shrill squeak.

“Please don’t assume mum will come back for them – something will have happened to the mum if left and they will be preyed on.”

• For more information or advice, phone Mr Allibone on 01795 585405.