Bats, owls and 200 hedgehogs all being cared for at Shropshire wildlife rescue centre

Cuan Wildlife Rescue, in Much Wenlock, is the county's only 24/7 facility that cares for and rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned wild animals.

Over the Christmas period, it has rescued a number of animals – and is even having to expand to accommodate the 200 hedgehogs.

Among the animals is a pipistrelle bat which arrived looking like a big ball after injuring a lung.

A tawny owl also suffered a dislocated shoulder and broken elbow after being hit by a car.

Claire Evans, assistant manager has appealed for food donations – including non-fishy cat meat – to be handed in.

She said: "We've got loads of hedgehogs – there's about 200. We're having to mix them in with each other.

"We are having new blocks built to accommodate them with funds we get in but it's a work in progress at the moment.

"It's pretty much a countrywide problem. Everywhere has had a big surge in hedgehogs. I'm guessing it's because of the mix-up of weather."

"We've got a tawny owl who we think has been hit by a car. He had a dislocated shoulder and a broken elbow.

"The bat came in a couple of days ago and I'm guessing he's probably attacked by a cat. He arrived filled up with air and was like a big air ball."

The rescue centre has put together an Amazon wish list page where people can buy food and equipment it needs.

Anyone who would like to help or donate can visit cuanwildliferescue.org.uk or call 01952 728070.