Hedgehog Rescued from Underground Storm Tank in England by South West Water Workers
BLACKAWTON, England — During a routine site inspection at an underground storm tank near Dartmouth, two workers for South West Water made an unusual discovery: a stranded hedgehog trapped inside the tank. Joe Martin and George Cane were conducting their regular checks when Martin spotted a small ball of spikes at the bottom of the empty storm tank, despite recent rainfall in the area. “I was walking the site as part of routine checks when I spotted a small ball of spikes down in the tank,” Martin said in a news release. “Thankfully the storm tank was empty despite the recent rain.”
The pair quickly improvised a rescue plan using a telescopic sampling pole, a bucket, and a hoe to safely scoop the hedgehog to the surface. Once rescued, they placed the animal in a cardboard box lined with dry vegetation and transported it to the Prickles in a Pickle wildlife rescue center in Stoke Fleming. The center specializes in the rehabilitation of hedgehogs and other small mammals.
Judy, co-founder of Prickles in a Pickle, reported that the hedgehog, now named Aquarius, is recovering well. “He’s gaining weight nicely,” she said, noting that Aquarius is undergoing treatment for internal parasites and will remain in care until fully healthy. The rescue team plans to release him back near the original storm tank site once he is ready. In response to the incident, South West Water has reinforced the storm tank to prevent other small animals from gaining unauthorized entry in the future.
Martin reflected on the rescue, saying, “It’s made our Christmas knowing Aquarius is on the mend. He’s a tough little character, but let’s hope he’s less adventurous in the future!” This heartwarming rescue highlights the unexpected wildlife encounters that can occur during infrastructure maintenance and the importance of vigilance by utility workers.
South West Water, the regional water company responsible for managing water and wastewater services in the southwest of England, regularly conducts inspections to maintain infrastructure integrity and environmental safety. Their efforts align with broader wildlife conservation practices encouraged by organizations such as the Natural England, which oversees the protection of native species and habitats.
The rescue also draws attention to the challenges wildlife face in urban and semi-urban environments, where man-made structures can pose hazards. Similar animal rescues have been reported across the UK, with emergency services and wildlife charities frequently collaborating to assist stranded or injured animals. For example, the Environment Agency often works alongside local water companies to ensure environmental protection during infrastructure works.
This incident joins a series of recent animal rescues reported across the globe, including a deer rescued from a frozen lake by firefighters in Connecticut and a squirrel freed from a dumpster by New York emergency responders. Such stories underscore the ongoing intersection between human activity and wildlife welfare, emphasizing the need for continued awareness and care.
For more information on wildlife protection and rescue efforts in the UK, visit the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) or the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). These organizations provide resources and support for animal welfare and environmental conservation.
As Aquarius continues his recovery, the South West Water team’s quick thinking and compassion serve as a reminder that even routine maintenance work can lead to extraordinary moments of kindness and connection with the natural world.
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