Hogtober and beyond: join us in year-round Hedgehog conservation
At Climate Action North, we are committed to making a positive impact on our environment, and hedgehogs are no exception.
Hedgehogs have recently been classified as “near threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list, following a concerning 30 percent decline in their numbers over the past decade.
Once common throughout Europe, hedgehogs have seen their habitats disrupted by urban development, intensive farming, and the dangers posed by busy roads.
These factors have led to fragmented habitats, making it increasingly difficult for hedgehogs to survive. They also contend with threats from vehicle collisions poorly managed gardens, and pesticides. These chemicals not only kill the insects that hedgehogs rely on for food but can also poison them directly.
But there’s hope. We partner with various companies who sponsor hedgehog-friendly hedgehog friendly initiatives. These partnerships are vital in our ongoing work to support hedgehog populations.
Hog Wilders for Hogtober
As part of our Global Wilders® initiative two schools are participating in our Hog Wilders for Hogtober project.
Biddick Primary School is engaging in hedgehog-related activities, made possible by a generous donation from BeaconHouse Events.
Wendy Fowler, Headteacher at Biddick Primary School, said: “At Biddick, we really care about the environment, so it was a lovely opportunity for us to work with Sharon from Climate Action North on the Hog Wilders Project. The children enjoyed learning all about hedgehogs and how they can help them and are really looking forward to Sharon’s next visit, when we make a hedgerow in the school grounds.”
A hedgerow tree planting event with the school is planned to take place on 18 December.
St. Joseph’s Primary School in Murton kicked off their Hogtober activities with two engaging sessions:
On 1 October, in Miss Gooding’s Year 4 class, 27 students learned about hedgehogs and made a hedgehog hedgerow using cardboard. Each child received a knitted hedgehog and took part in a poster competition focused on hedgehog care ahead of Bonfire Night.
The second session, on 18 October, saw the students' posters were delivered to Dalton Park for judging. Richard Kaye from Dalton Park chose three winners, and every child received a prize for their participation. The students also created chalk drawings in the Dalton Park Pollinator Parks® garden.
Eve Gooding said: “At St Joseph's the children, and staff, are very passionate about the environment. The children thoroughly enjoyed working with Sharon on the Hog Wilders Project. They learnt lots about hedgehogs and enjoyed creating informative posters that have been displayed on our class hedgehog hedgerow.
“Receiving a knitted hedgehog from Sharon and prizes from Richard Kaye at Dalton Park was a lovely touch to thank the children for their participation and hard work. The children actively share what they have learnt about taking care of the hedgehogs and hopefully they can make a change in supporting the population of hedgehogs for future generations.”
Hogtober isn’t just for October
Our commitment to hedgehog conservation continues throughout the year. By continually working with our communities, we can create lasting change and ensure hedgehogs thrive for generations to come.
To get involved or become a sponsor, email info@climateactionnortheast.org.uk
The time for talking is over, today we need to act.