Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, is known around the world for his powerful guitar sound. But away from the stage, he has built a second life dedicated to protecting animals. Through the charity Save Me Trust, May has turned his quiet countryside home into a place where injured wildlife can recover and return to nature.
A Peaceful Home in the English Countryside
May lives in the rural village of Windlesham, located in Surrey, about an hour outside London. The large country house offers privacy, space, and beautiful natural surroundings.
He shares the home with his wife, Anita Dobson, an actress famous for playing Angie Watts on the TV show EastEnders. The couple married in 2000 and have filled the house with many of May’s personal collections. Inside you’ll find unusual treasures such as Victorian stereographs, old tin toys, and music memorabilia from his long career.
One of the most special rooms in the house is a small workshop where experts maintain May’s famous handmade guitar, the Red Special. He originally built the instrument with his father many years ago, and it remains the guitar he still plays today.
In 2020, the peaceful property faced a frightening moment. A wildfire spread across nearby land around Sunningdale Golf Club, forcing May to temporarily evacuate. Thankfully, firefighters managed to stop the flames before they reached his home and music studio.
A Home That Helps Wildlife
What makes May’s property truly special is that it also serves as a base for his animal rescue work.
In 2010, May and conservationist Anne Brummer started the Save Me Trust to protect wildlife and campaign for animal welfare. The charity works closely with Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue, which cares for injured or abandoned animals.
The quiet grounds around May’s home provide a safe place where rescued animals can recover before returning to the wild. Many animals—birds, small mammals, and other native species—have been treated and released thanks to this work.
Saving Britain’s Hedgehogs
One of the biggest focuses of the rescue effort is protecting the Hedgehog, one of Britain’s most loved animals.
Over the last several decades, hedgehog numbers have dropped dramatically. In the 1950s there were about 30 million hedgehogs in Britain. Today, experts believe fewer than one million remain. Habitat loss, busy roads, and modern garden fencing have made survival much harder for them.
To raise awareness, the rescue launched the “Amazing Grace” campaign. It was inspired by Grace, a tiny injured hedgehog that was rescued and cared for by the team. Her story helped bring attention to the dangers these animals face every day.
May even recorded a version of Amazing Grace with singer Kerry Ellis to support the campaign.
On the grounds of May’s property, there is a special natural area often called “Hedgehog Heaven.” Here, rehabilitated hedgehogs learn how to search for insects and survive on their own before being released back into the countryside.
A Different Kind of Legacy
For decades, Brian May helped create some of rock’s most famous songs, including We Will Rock You. But today, much of his energy goes toward protecting wildlife.
At his peaceful home in Surrey, the same musician who once played for huge stadium crowds now spends his time helping injured animals recover. It’s a quieter mission—but one that shows another powerful side of a rock legend.