HEDGEHOGS will be feasting like kings at a mediaeval manor house after turning their backs on the streets of Brum.

Lower Brockhampton, near Bromyard, which is owned by the National Trust, has opened its doors to injured creatures from a rescue centre in Birmingham.

The 1,700-acre Brockhampton estate will be the release site for hedgehogs from Stumpies, which cares for baby or injured hedgehogs with a view to rehabilitating them back into the wild.

Paul Truelove, who runs Stumpies, was visiting Lower Brockhampton when he got chatting to Susan Brace, visitor services manager.

"We were just talking and then he told me he runs a hedgehog hospital, had some patients and said what a great place Brockhampton would be to release them," said Mrs Brace, who added that Trusty the hedgehog was the National Trust mascot for children.

"There's very little traffic here and there's extensive woodland, so it's ideal."

So far, six hedgehogs have been released on the site with another three due to make a dash for freedom later in the week.

"Last Tuesday night the first lot were released from the pet carriers they had been brought in," said Mrs Brace.

"After the initial surprise at being out of their boxes and set on the woodland floor, they unballed themselves and snuffled off into the darkness. It was great to see them back where they belong. It wasn't quite Born Free, but it was very close."

Mr Truelove has been caring for some of those released since they were no bigger than his thumb.

"You wish they could send you a postcard to tell you how they're doing," he said.

"Modern living presents so many hazards for hedgehogs. Apart from the obvious hazards like traffic, gardens can be just as dangerous.

"They can end up in bonfires or even tangled up in football nets."

Brockhampton estate is open daily, while Lower Brockhampton House and the Old Apple Store Tea Room are open Wednesday to Sunday, between 12noon and 5pm.