Andrew Jackson (1969-2023) founded Brackley Hogwatch in 2011 and from then on, devoted his life rescuing ill and orphaned hedgehogs with the aim of conserving the local hedgehog population. He selflessly dedicated all his time to their survival which resulted in over 1000 hedgehogs’ lives being saved. Andrew was deeply knowledgeable about hedgehogs and very passionate about preventing their extinction.

Andrew's research led him to believe that injured hedgehogs, missing a back leg, could go on and lead a long and fulfilling life. Testament to this was the late infamous Mr Windsor. Mr Windsor was rescued in 2018 having been found to be missing a rear back leg. Andrew diligently nursed him back to health and under licence fitted him with a tracker. He was then tracked for the next five years helping Andrew with his research in his radio tracking project, including a GSP tracker for which he gained a worldwide following. Mr Windsor lived and hibernated in the wild but was regularly monitored and checked, he travelled a great many miles, had multiple nests and even ventured onto RAF Croughton. As per Andrew’s belief, Mr Windsor was proof of how well a three-legged hedgehog could manage, thrive and, quite likely, whilst on his travels, procreate. Mr Windsor passed peacefully away in August 2024.

Andrew was affectionately known as The Hedgehog Man by Brackley’s children. This was because of his visits to local schools where he taught the enthralled children, some who had never seen a hedgehog before, about what to do if they saw a hedgehog out in the day. Chants of “A hedgehog out in the day is not OK” became their mantra and subsequently helped to save many sick hedgehogs in need of help.

Andrew had been suffering from ill-heath for some time and he passed away peacefully at home in September 2023, doing what he loved most, caring for hedgehogs.