Brian May's love of hedgehogs: Why Queen guitarist runs animal rescue from his Surrey garden

8 May 2019, 13:56 | Updated: 8 May 2019, 15:07

Brian May be part of one of the most famous rock bands of all time, but the Queen guitarist recently stated that one of his "greatest joys in life is rehabilitating hedgehogs."

The Bohemian Rhapsody star doesn't just put his name to important environmental causes, but is completely hands on - running an animal sanctuary right out of his own back garden in Surrey.

The Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue is built on land owned by Brian May in Windlesham and the team rehabilitates foxes, badgers and hedgehogs among other small British animals.

See more: Brian May unveils "amazing" new Freddie Mercury statue

Appearing tonight on Channel 5 TV show Saving Britain's Hedgehogs (May 8) Brian May will be joined by Steve Backshall as they explore the lives of British hedgehogs.

View this post on Instagram

Philomena and me this afternoon. Bri

A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on Dec 22, 2018 at 11:55am PST

View this post on Instagram

Afternoons filming with rescued Hedgehogs are ... precious ! Bri. @harperaspreywildliferescue @save-me

A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on Aug 7, 2018 at 8:08am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Yay ! Hedgehog awareness day in West End, Surrey (not The West End) . Saving our hogs ! It’s a great day ! Bri

A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on Sep 29, 2018 at 6:58am PDT

Numbers of hedgehogs in Britain are dwindling rapidly, with Brian and Steve exploring the ways we can help avoid the very real possibility that hedgehogs may be extinct by 2025 if we don't act fast.

Freddie Mercury in private: Rarely seen photos of the Queen star behind closed doors

What may surprise viewers is just how vocal Brian May is about the cause and how much time he has spent over the last decade campaigning for Britain's wildlife and supporting animal rehabilitation charities all over the country.

View this post on Instagram

And out the little monkeys come ! The Magnificent Seven Musical Fox Cubs emerging from their transport of delight, a little timidly at first in their new surroundings, but soon their inquisitive nature takes over ! Filming is in progress - for Channel 5 later this year. Thanks Claudia and your team. Bri

A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on Apr 23, 2019 at 2:09pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

Life is a learning curve ! One happy hedgehog in natural (but safe) habitat. All these rescuees are a tribute to the TLC they've enjoyed at Save-Me HQ. Soon they will return truly to the wild, where they belong. Save the Hogs ! Thanks @anneatsaveme for these wonders ! Bri

A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on Aug 7, 2018 at 12:33pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

A day in the life ... it was worth playing truant to spend an afternoon with these guys (Lulu the baby badger, and Hannah Solo - the lone fox cub) ... they share a cage and are the best of pals. Soon they will be following the Magnificent Seven down to the outdoor runs. Filmed by @anneatsaveme — Bri

A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on Apr 23, 2019 at 8:26am PDT

View this post on Instagram

The things we do for love (of Hedgehogs!) join us !!! Save the hogs ! Amazing Grace ! Bri

A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on Sep 29, 2018 at 7:04am PDT

Brian started the Save Me Trust in 2009 to speak out about badger culling and fox hunting in Britains and started the Amazing Grace in parliament to campaign for "hedgehog friendly" parts of the UK.

Brian also campaigns to halt the ivory trade, remove dolphins and orcas from captivity and end animals being used in circus acts.