From Rock Anthems to Wildlife Rescue: How Brian May Turned His Surrey Home into a Sanctuary

Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen and an outspoken advocate for wildlife, has redefined what it means to live close to nature. Together with his wife, actress Anita Dobson, May has transformed his countryside home in Windlesham, Surrey, into a thriving refuge where foxes, hedgehogs, birds, and countless other creatures now find safety and care.

A Countryside Retreat with a Purpose

Nestled in the quiet beauty of Surrey, May and Dobson’s home is more than just a retreat from the spotlight. Though the couple has kept details of their move private, their residence has grown into a unique hub for conservation efforts. The property also serves as the base for Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue, a charity May actively supports. Surrounded by the calm of rural England, May dedicates much of his time to nurturing the animals that visit his garden, turning a personal passion into meaningful action.

A Garden that Saves Lives

What looks like an ordinary countryside garden is, in reality, a functioning wildlife rehabilitation center. Since 2019, Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue has operated from May’s property, caring for injured and vulnerable animals including foxes, badgers, and hedgehogs. For May, hedgehog rescue holds a particularly special place in his heart, with the rock star often describing it as one of the most rewarding parts of his work.

This isn’t a symbolic involvement. May is hands-on—feeding animals, coordinating rescue efforts, and supporting the volunteers who keep the operation running. His garden has become a sanctuary where dozens of native species can find food, shelter, and a second chance at survival.

Beyond the Backyard: Fighting for Wildlife Protection

May’s dedication to wildlife extends well beyond his own property. He co-founded the Save Me Trust, a charity devoted to campaigning for stronger laws to protect Britain’s most vulnerable species. The trust raises awareness of the devastating decline in hedgehog populations, which have dropped from an estimated 35 million in the 1960s to fewer than one million today.

The guitarist has also been outspoken in opposing badger culls and development projects that endanger natural habitats. His activism has reached national stages, from raising over £150,000 for endangered species at the David Shepherd Wildlife Ball in 2015 to supporting educational projects like Meet the Hedgehog, a Channel 5 documentary that highlighted the plight of one of the UK’s most beloved creatures.

Community Support and National Recognition

May’s conservation efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Michael Gove, the UK’s Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, visited the Save Me Trust Centre in Windlesham to discuss ways to better preserve habitats and protect biodiversity. Community support has also been strong, with ongoing fundraising efforts providing critical resources—from medical supplies to modern digital tools that track the rehabilitation of rescued animals.

A Legacy Beyond Music

For decades, Brian May has been celebrated as one of the greatest guitarists in rock history, his soaring riffs and iconic solos immortalized through Queen’s music. Yet his commitment to wildlife shows another side of his legacy—one built on compassion, care, and a vision of coexistence between humans and nature.

What began as a personal passion project has grown into a lasting contribution to conservation. His Windlesham garden, once simply a countryside retreat, is now a place of hope where animals are not only sheltered but given a chance to thrive again.

More Than a Backyard

Brian May’s transformation from rock legend to wildlife champion highlights the power of personal responsibility and passion. His story reminds us that protecting the natural world doesn’t always begin with grand gestures—it can start in our own backyards.

For fans of Queen, it’s inspiring to see May’s creativity and dedication extend beyond music, creating harmony not only on stage but also in the world around him. In Windlesham, his garden is no ordinary patch of land—it is a sanctuary that echoes with both the sound of nature and the heart of a man determined to make a difference.