This year, the two charities have run nine hedgehog workshops for adults and children at the Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary in Harpenden. Participants could learn about the preferred habitat and diet of hedgehogs, why they’re in decline and how to help them in their own garden. They were also able to meet a rescue hog and find out about basic hedgehog care and handling.
Local hedgehog events raise awareness and funds for wildlife
A partnership project between the Trust and Harpenden-based Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary has raised more than £1,300 for wildlife and helped spread awareness about the risks facing hedgehogs.
© Emma Matthars
Martin Maylin, founder of the Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary, says: “Our joint hedgehog workshops are aiming to bring people closer to these lovely animals. We’re delighted to provide this experience in a time when hedgehog encounters are becoming rarer.”
We’re delighted to provide this experience in a time when hedgehog encounters are becoming rarer.Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary
Emma Matthars, the Trust’s Event & Marketing Officer, says: “The Trust is really pleased to be working with Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog Sanctuary on these events which are engaging more people to learn about hedgehogs and what they can do to help.”
The proceeds from the workshops are split equally between the two charities. Following their huge popularity this year, the charities are planning a new programme of similar events in 2020. Hedgehogs are struggling and in the past decade alone, they have declined by nearly one third. Today, there are thought to be fewer than one million left in the UK. The main causes for their decline are habitat loss and a decrease in food sources.
