Brian May, legendary Queen guitarist, has transformed his Windlesham garden into a true wildlife sanctuary, caring personally for foxes, badgers, hedgehogs, and birds. “His garden has literally become a haven where dozens of native species find food, care, and shelter,” turning his home into a vital rescue center supporting vulnerable animals.
A Countryside Haven for Wildlife
Though the exact timing of their move remains private, the Surrey countryside offers the perfect refuge for May’s growing passion for wildlife conservation. It’s also the base of the Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue, a charity May is deeply involved with. The couple’s garden has become more than just a picturesque retreat—it’s a vital rehabilitation center providing care and shelter to vulnerable animals in the area.
From Guitar Solos to Hedgehog Rehabilitation
May’s commitment goes far beyond casual nature-loving. Since 2019, Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue has operated on his property, caring for native species including hedgehogs, foxes, and badgers. The guitarist’s hands-on approach—feeding animals himself, coordinating volunteers, and personally tending to the rescued—reveals a devotion as intense as his dedication to music.
He has often spoken about the special joy he finds in rehabilitating hedgehogs, a species whose numbers have plummeted dramatically over recent decades. His garden is now a refuge where dozens of animals find sustenance and safety, making it a true sanctuary in the heart of Surrey.
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Championing Conservation Beyond the Backyard
May’s environmental activism extends well beyond his property. He co-founded the Save Me Trust, a charity advocating for stronger protections for wildlife, particularly hedgehogs, whose population has dropped from an estimated 35 million in the 1960s to under one million today. He is a vocal opponent of controversial badger culls and development projects that threaten natural habitats.
His efforts have included fundraising and awareness campaigns, such as raising over £150,000 for endangered species at the 2015 David Shepherd Wildlife Ball and supporting educational programs like Channel 5’s Meet The Hedgehog in 2018. May’s high profile helps shine a spotlight on pressing conservation issues.
Community and Government Support
May’s conservation work has garnered significant support, including from government officials. In 2023, Michael Gove toured the Save Me Trust Centre in Windlesham to discuss habitat preservation initiatives. Fundraising remains crucial, funding medical care for rescued animals and digital tracking systems to monitor their progress.
A Guitar Legend’s Green Legacy
Brian May’s evolution from rock icon to wildlife guardian underscores a lifelong love for nature. What began as a personal passion has blossomed into a sanctuary saving hundreds of animals each year, turning his garden into a beacon of hope for native wildlife.
For Queen fans and environmentalists alike, May’s dedication offers inspiration—proof that the creativity and spirit that fuel legendary music can also nurture and protect the natural world. In Windlesham, Brian May’s backyard is much more than a garden: it’s a vibrant testament to compassion, care, and conservation.
