Grain Brewery launches new beer to help troubled hedgehogs

A brewery has joined the fight to promote awareness of the country’s rapidly declining hedgehog population – with the launch of a new beer.

Grain Brewery in Alburgh will be offering Prickly Pig as one of its brews until the end of the year to support a hedgehog rescue centre.

“We wanted to support a local charity this year and one member of staff, Rebecca, suggested we choose Brocks Barn Hedgehog Rescue,” said brewery owner Phil Halls, 50.

“It seemed like a good idea because everyone loves hedgehogs.”

The self-funded centre, run by Tessa Dunbar and Chantelle Keeble, currently cares for 70 sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs and is especially busy at this time of year.

Hedgehogs need to be at least 500g in weight for their winter hibernation or risk not surviving the freezing conditions.

According to the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, hedgehogs are in steep decline.

To help them, Tessa and Chantelle are urging people to cut holes into their fences to allow them to roam, as well as providing shallow bowls of water and a feeding station.

“Another reason behind the beer is to raise awareness of the dwindling numbers,” said Mr Halls. “The beer has been very popular; we’ve had nothing but good feedback.”

Prickly Pig is a 4.6% beer, with flavours of smoked malt and spicy rye, combined with rich roasted malts and a hint of autumn berries.

For every pint sold, Grain Brewery donates 10p to Brocks Barn. Of the initial 45 casks and 50 bottles, they have already sold 75 per cent.

“We were so thrilled when Grain announced they would support us,” said Chantelle, 37.

“We’ve already got a good relationship with them and it’s all about making people aware of how they can help hedgehogs.”

“We are hugely grateful to Grain, Linden House Vets in Diss and all our supporters,” added Tessa, 67.

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The beer is available at The Locks in Geldeston, The Spread Eagle in Ipswich, The Norwich Cottage or The Plough and, of course, Grain Brewery in Tunbeck Road.