Little feet can take big steps for nature
By Rachel Shaw
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is challenging families to walk the same distance that a hedgehog walks in a single night.
It’s further than you might think. When we see a hedgehog in our own gardens, we tend to think of them as ‘our’ hedgehog but they are actually visiting lots of gardens. A hedgehog can walk 3km in one night while they forage for food.
The Hedgehog Walk challenge, between March 31 – April 13, is to walk 3km and fundraise for wildlife along the way. The Wildlife Trusts have teamed up with Aardman and their characters from the Timmy Time – the TV programme for pre-schoolers. When families sign up for the Hedgehog Walk, they’re not just enjoying the fresh air and moving in nature — they’re helping to raise money for wildlife and make more places for hedgehogs like Apricot from Timmy Time to live.
What’s in it for families and their hoglets? There are lots of downloadable Timmy Time activity sheets and resources and, a prize to say thank you for top fundraisers who raise £30 or more (T&Cs apply). As well as the joy of spending time in nature and knowing you’ve made a BIG difference in helping wildlife.
Hedgehogs are one of the UK's favourite mammals. The sight of one snuffling through a garden on a summer's evening is a magical experience. But sadly, our hedgehogs are struggling. In 2022, a report on Britain's hedgehogs revealed they have declined by between 30-75% since 2000. Other evidence indicates that their numbers have been falling for much longer than this.
The decline in our hedgehog population has led to them being classed as vulnerable to extinction in Britain. The reasons for their decline are complex, with different issues between rural and urban areas. One problem is a lack of food. Hedgehogs enjoy a varied diet, but mainly feed on invertebrates like worms and beetles. The way much of the UK's land is managed has led to many of these invertebrates becoming rarer, leaving less food for hedgehogs.
Just as importantly, hedgehogs are also finding it harder to move around and find suitable places to feed, nest and hibernate. Think about your neighbourhood – how easy would it be for a hedgehog to explore 3km without coming across barriers like roads and fences? If you have a fence in your garden, it’s surprisingly easy to help. Simply putting a 13cm hole in the bottom of your fence or digging a channel beneath garden boundaries to connect your gardens. Perhaps you could join forces with your neighbours to create a network of Hedgehog Highways in your community!
For families wanting to learn more about hedgehogs and join us for a guided 3km hedgehog walk, there’s a special day at Whisby Nature Park on Friday, April 11.
With hedgehog activities and crafts in the Education Centre throughout the day and the guided walk starting at 2pm. Visit our website www.lincstrust.org.uk for more information about how you can get involved with helping our hedgehogs.
