Brian May Swaps Guitar for Garden Gloves—Inside the Rock Legend’s Secret Life as a Wildlife Guardian
Brian May Swaps Guitar for Garden Gloves—Inside the Rock Legend’s Secret Life as a Wildlife Guardian
Brian May, the iconic guitarist of Queen, renowned for his soaring solos and legendary riffs, is now making noise in an entirely different arena—wildlife conservation. Away from the stage lights and sold-out arenas, May and his wife, actress Anita Dobson, have quietly transformed their Windlesham home in Surrey into a sanctuary where badgers, hedgehogs, foxes, birds, and other native animals find refuge.
A Garden Turned Sanctuary
What was once a peaceful countryside retreat has evolved into something far greater. The couple’s garden is now a lifeline for vulnerable species, offering food, shelter, and medical care. At the heart of this mission is the Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue, which has been operating on May’s property since 2019. The center rehabilitates countless animals each year, ensuring they can return safely to the wild.
But May’s role isn’t merely symbolic. He personally helps feed, care for, and rehabilitate the creatures, showing the same passion for wildlife that he once poured into music. For him, tending to injured animals is not a hobby—it’s a calling.
From Stadiums to Hedgehogs
Among the many creatures under his care, hedgehogs hold a particularly special place in May’s heart. Once a common sight in Britain, hedgehog populations have plummeted from an estimated 35 million in the 1960s to fewer than a million today. May has made it his mission to fight for their survival, turning his home into a safe haven for the species.
His hands-on involvement—whether it’s preparing food or coordinating with volunteers—shows that his commitment isn’t about image, but about impact. In his garden, dozens of animals at any given time find protection, nourishment, and a second chance.
Activism Beyond the Backyard
May’s environmental work doesn’t stop at his doorstep. He co-founded the Save Me Trust, a charity dedicated to protecting native wildlife and campaigning against threats such as habitat destruction and badger culling. Through public advocacy and fundraising, May has raised awareness of the drastic decline in species like hedgehogs and the urgent need for conservation action.
His efforts have reached national platforms. In 2015, he helped raise more than £150,000 for endangered species at the David Shepherd Wildlife Ball, and in 2018 he supported the Channel 5 program Meet The Hedgehog, helping educate the public on how to protect the beloved species.
Recognition and Support
May’s influence has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, UK government minister Michael Gove visited the Save Me Trust Centre to discuss habitat preservation and conservation strategies. Such collaborations underline the importance of May’s work, not only as a passionate advocate but also as a respected voice influencing policy and public opinion.
Fundraising remains at the heart of the mission, supporting medical treatments, food supplies, and digital tracking systems for rescued animals. Each donation contributes to a cause May champions tirelessly: giving wildlife a fighting chance in a changing world.
A Rock Legend’s Green Legacy
For millions, Brian May will always be remembered as the genius guitarist behind Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You. But for those who look beyond the stage, he represents something even more enduring: proof that fame and influence can be used to protect the voiceless.
In Windlesham, his backyard has become more than a garden—it’s a sanctuary, a rescue center, and a symbol of compassion. By combining his platform with hands-on care, May has shown that even the loudest guitar riffs can harmonize with the quiet song of nature.
His journey from rock star to wildlife guardian reflects not only his love of animals but also his belief in responsibility: to nurture, to protect, and to give back. And that may be his greatest legacy of all.
