Families, schools and clubs are encouraged to take on a 3km walking challenge to fundraise for wildlife.
The challenge, in partnership with Timmy Time of the multi-award-winning studio Aardman, will see families walking, wheeling or rolling the same distance a hedgehog wanders in a single night.
Taking place from the 31st of March to the 13th of April, the same time hedgehogs start to come out of hibernation and can be done in any way you and your hoglets want! After signing up online, those taking part will receive lots of downloadable activities, including spotter sheets, a Hedgehog Walk poster and litter picking guides. Top fundraisers who raise over £30 for wildlife will also receive a special prize, such as an exclusive sew-on patch!
With 1 in 6 species threatened with extinction, it has never been more important to help wildlife, so get out exploring with Apricot, and walking with Timmy, to make a difference! The little legs walking 3km this spring will grow up to be the next generation of eco leaders, wildlife champions and environmental changemakers, and this challenge could help them take those first steps.
Becki Ralph, Wilder Education Manager at Cheshire Wildlife Trust says: “Get your hoglets out walking for wildlife with the Hedgehog Walk. Nature in the UK is having a really hard time. Not just hedgehogs, but the trees on our streets and the fish in our seas. We can all do our small part to make a difference. We work with children across Cheshire, and it’s wonderful to see just how passionate they are about protecting their local wildlife! We’d encourage any young families, schools or learning groups to take part. The Hedgehog Walk is a wonderful way to experience more of nature this spring. From Delamere Forest to the Dee Estuary, there are so many beautiful places to explore right here on our doorstep.”
Rachael Peacock, Senior Brand Manager at Aardman, the creators of Timmy Time, says: “We are delighted to be partnering again with The Wildlife Trusts for this special collaboration. Timmy and Apricot are the perfect companions to explore the great outdoors with, and we really believe that this partnership will encourage families to get their welly boots on and raise money for a great cause!”
Use the hashtag #HedgehogWalk on social media to share your adventure!
Maddie Moate, children’s TV presenter and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, says: “When I was little, I remember watching my mum nurse hedgehogs back to health after finding them poorly, so this challenge feels particularly close to home. All of nature is so important, and getting everyone involved, no matter how young, is completely necessary – little feet can make a big change so let’s make every step count! Sign up now and join Timmy, Apricot and friends as you walk for wildlife!”
The Hedgehog Walk will take place from Monday the 31st of March to Sunday the 13th of April. It’s when the clocks go forward and evenings get lighter, so it’s a great time for all ages to enjoy the great outdoors. Sign-up at www.wildlifetrusts.org/hedgehog-walk