Your basket is currently empty!
24-Hour Emergency Helpline 01844 292292
Our Courses
We are proud to be an approved training centre for both City & Guilds, and also now the Skills & Education Group Awards. We have an excellent reputation within City & Guilds and future employers.
We offer a unique, hands-on route to gaining a fully accredited and nationally recognised qualification, whilst working with all species of British wildlife.
We offer practical training in all aspects of animal husbandry. As a working wildlife hospital, and a practical training centre, our students spend 60-80% of their time hands-on: cleaning, feeding, mucking out and moving some of the thousand plus wild animals that we have in our hospital at any one time.
In their practical sessions, students handle the hedgehogs, birds of prey, rabbits and swans, to name but a few species. They are involved in all aspects of care from taking in deliveries of bags of feed, cleaning and hosing down pens, cages and aviaries to working in the wards and outside enclosures, or assisting with health checking. The year round course means students get to experience everything the varying seasons brings, whilst playing their part in the care of all the sick, injured and orphaned species that come through our doors every day. Students play a key part in the care and rehabilitation of our patients and help them on their road back into the wild.
Make a donation
By donating to Tiggywinkles, you will be helping us provide life-saving treatment and care to all species of British Wildlife.
Nationally Recognised Qualifications
Our classroom-based learning builds the students’ underpinning knowledge of animal health and welfare, and students will complete assignments and assessments to gain excellent grades in their qualifications to help them move on to employment or further/higher education after their course is completed.
These courses are ideal for anyone wishing to have a career in the animal welfare industry, whilst learning hands-on with wildlife, in a very busy Hospital environment.
From 2012 to 2023 – 98% of our learners went into employment or further/higher education on achieving their qualification with us.
In terms of University courses, our Level 3 two-year programme students go onto to take degree courses such as Zoology, Animal Physiotherapy, Marine Biology, Conservation and Veterinary Nursing.
Practical, hands-on learning sessions
We run practical learning sessions, where all students spend time training in all of the different areas of the Hospital, ‘hands on’ with our patients, assisting with their care and welfare – cleaning, feeding and moving – as part of the animal’s treatment and rehabilitation, as well as a small amount of time in Reception and our Visitor Centre. Assessment in all of these areas is by practical assessments, with observations & questions.
On-site Assessments
Assessments are carried out on-site by our team of experienced, qualified Assessors, using a variety of methods including observation, assignments and questions & answers.
Do you have a question? We're here to help
If you have any questions about our courses, please email: education@tiggywinkles.org
I have found a baby deer in the woods on its own, should I bring it to you?
No, the mum will leave her babies hidden in grass during the day while she looks for food. She will return periodically to check on the baby. Please make sure you don’t touch it or disturb it, so as not to scare away mum. The parent won’t come back while you are around, so it would be best to leave it alone. Always observe from a safe distance for at least 12 hours before assuming a fawn has been abandoned. Of course, if the little one is injured, then it should be taken to the nearest wildlife hospital for treatment.
I have seen a hedgehog out during the day, what should I do?
Hedgehogs are nocturnal and only come out at night. Generally, any hedgehog out during the day is probably in trouble and will need to be picked up and taken to a wildlife rescue centre. You can pick them up using gardening gloves and put them into a cardboard box, although they are good climbers, so you would need to ensure it cannot escape. If you are local to us, then please bring it along to Tiggywinkles, there is no need to call first as we are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To find your nearest rescue centre, check www.helpwildlife.co.uk
However, please note that during the summer months female hedgehogs may come out in late afternoons to forage for nesting material and extra food for her young; she will be active and should appear bright and healthy. If you are not sure if a hedgehog needs rescuing please do call us on 01844 292292 and we will help assess the situation.
There is a badger set in my garden and the badgers are damaging everything, what can I do?
Badgers and their setts are protected under law so you cannot interfere with the sett. Just enjoy having such lovely creatures close by as most people never get to see them alive.
There is a fox limping in my garden, what should I do?
This would depend on how mobile it is. Limping is a sign of problems but doesn’t often stop them from being too agile to catch! We all suffer from strains now and again and animals are no exception, so a limp for a few days may just be that and could improve with time. However, if the limp persists or the animal’s condition deteriorates, then it will need medical help. Catching a mobile animal can be very difficult and should only be tackled by trained wildlife rescuers to prevent injuries to yourself and the animal. You may be able to help by putting food for the animal near and then into a shed or garage for a few days to get the animal used to being in that area. Then call your nearest wildlife hospital for advice.
What do I do about a resident mole?
Molehills are thrown up only once, when the mole first moves in. As this soil is crumbly and weed-free it can easily be removed and used as a top dressing or sterile potting compost, saving some more of the gardening budget. Leave your resident mole alone and soon you will not even know he is there. If you get rid of the mole, you will find a new mole will move into the territory and throw up new mole hills as they dig new tunnels.
How to reach us
We are located in Haddenham (HP17 8AF). There is parking available. The closest train station is Haddenham & Thame Parkway Station and there are various bus stops within walking distance of the hospital.
