Rescue - Rehabilitate - Release
Our Story
From one rescued hedgehog to a dedicated wildlife hospital
Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue began with a single injured hedgehog and a determination to help. Today, that same commitment remains at the heart of our wildlife hospital: providing veterinary care, rehabilitation and the best possible chance of a return to the wild.
The First Rescue — 1988
In early 1988, Anne Brummer was walking her dog when she discovered a hedgehog trapped in a wire fence. Unable to move forwards or backwards, he had injured himself repeatedly while trying to escape. The wire had cut into his body, and one of his legs was bleeding. With a pair of pliers from her handbag, Anne cut away a section of the fence and took him straight to a veterinary practice, leaving the embedded wire in place for the vet to remove. That encounter revealed how vulnerable wild animals can be when they need help. Without someone stopping to intervene, this small hedgehog would have had little chance of survival. (Photo: Anne’s Garden)
Rescue, Recovery and Release
The vet treated the hedgehog immediately and asked Anne to care for him while his injuries healed. Having grown up surrounded by animals, she agreed. Anne bought a cage and suitable food, then visited the library to learn more about hedgehogs and their care. Several weeks later, he had recovered sufficiently to be released back into the wild. That first successful rescue established the purpose that continues to guide our work: to help injured wildlife recover and return to its natural habitat wherever possible.
From a Garage to a Wildlife Hospital
Over the following years, Anne cared for an increasing number of wild animals from her garage. Cages, an incubator and a small treatment area became the foundations of a growing rescue service. As demand increased, volunteers joined her, bringing their time, skills and dedication. What began as one person caring for one hedgehog developed into a team committed to helping British wildlife.
Today, Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue operates a dedicated wildlife hospital in Windlesham, Surrey, bringing together veterinary treatment, nursing care and rehabilitation. Our facilities include surgery, diagnostic imaging and intensive care, supported by a veterinary team, staff and volunteers.
Today's Hospital
Veterinary Care
Rehabilitation
A Partnership for Wildlife
Sir Brian May, legendary Queen guitarist, first became involved in wildlife rescue when the grounds of his Windlesham home were used for the soft release of wild animals cared for by Anne Brummer. What began as a shared concern for wildlife grew through regular visits, updates on rescued patients and an increasing determination to tackle the wider threats facing wild animals. It soon became clear that Anne and Brian had met their match in one another. Both share an extraordinary passion for wildlife, an unwavering sense of purpose and a determination that extends far beyond conventional working hours. For Anne, rescuing and protecting wildlife has been a 24-hour commitment for decades, while Brian has often spoken of his desire to be remembered for his work protecting wildlife rather than his legendary career in music.
Together, they have built a partnership that combines hands-on rescue, veterinary care and rehabilitation with national campaigning, conservation and the pursuit of stronger wildlife protection laws. Neither is content to stand by when wildlife needs a voice. Both are prepared to challenge convention, confront difficult issues and work tirelessly to bring about meaningful, lasting change. Their shared drive is matched by an absolute refusal to give up, however difficult the challenge. What unites them is not simply a love of wildlife, but a deeply held belief that wild animals deserve protection, respect and the right to thrive in their natural world.
Together, Anne Brummer and Sir Brian May are a formidable force for wildlife.
2009 SAVE ME TRUST
Giving Wildlife A Stronger voice
Anne and Brian established the Save Me Trust to give wildlife a stronger voice nationally and internationally. In the UK the Save Me Trust works at a national policy and legislative level, campaigning for stronger wildlife protection, influencing decision-makers and working within Parliament to improve the laws that protect wildlife and its habitats. Its work focuses on long-term change through campaigning, education, research, advocacy and legislative reform. The two charities connect the care of individual wild animals with the wider protection of wildlife and its habitats.
Why Every Wild Animal Matters
For each animal that arrives at our hospital, the care we provide can make a life-changing difference. We assess every patient individually, relieve suffering and work towards rehabilitation and release wherever possible. That belief began with one hedgehog in 1988, and it continues to guide us today.
Our Mission
To rescue, treat and rehabilitate British wildlife in need, giving each animal the best possible chance of returning to the wild. Through education and practical advice, we also help people understand and protect the wildlife around them — creating safer gardens, healthier habitats and more space for wildlife to thrive alongside us.
Help Us Continue Our Story
To rescue, treat and rehabilitate British wildlife in need, giving each animal the best possible chance of returning to the wild. Through education and practical advice, we also help people understand and protect the wildlife around them — creating safer gardens, healthier habitats and more space for wildlife to thrive alongside us.
Our Next Chapter
We are planning a new home for our wildlife , with more space for veterinary care, rehabilitation and the facilities our patients need. We will build on everything we have learned since that first hedgehog rescue in 1988, creating a hospital that can care for wildlife for generations to come. We look forward to sharing more in the coming months.
Help Us Continue Our Story
Your support helps us care for the wildlife that needs us.
