Hooray for Hedgehog Champions

18th December 2018

Hedgehog Afternoon in Putney, Southwest London run by SW15 Hedgehogs.

For most, a chilly Saturday morning in November would be the perfect time to relax..

For Jackie and her volunteers, however, they would be busy setting up leaflets and stalls.

They had spent weeks organising a ‘Hedgehog Afternoon’ to take place at their local community centre in Putney, Southwest London. The free event offered families the opportunity to take part in all things ‘hog, from crafts and games to demonstrations on how to build hedgehog houses and feeding stations.

This fantastic event had been organised by SW15 Hedgehogs, a small grassroots campaign dedicated to educating the local community about the wildlife in their area.

Buzzing with energy – Hedgehog Afternoon activities, SW15 Hedgehogs.

“Throughout the event, we manned our information stall containing many of your leaflets which were very popular and of which I am most grateful,” – Jackie, SW15 Hedgehogs

Jackie created SW15 Hedgehogs after becoming a Hedgehog Champion. With the free resources provided by Hedgehog Street, she has been able utilise her passion to help educate and inspire others. She now campaigns weekly, holding an information stall and gives talks to schools and local communities.

“I sent letters to over 40 local schools, Churches and community centres with information on the dangers facing hedgehogs and other animals during Bonfire Night … [so] with luck there should be a little more protection for our hoggies in the SW15 area,” Says Jackie.

Getting stuck in with ‘hoggie’ arts and crafts, SW15 Hedgehogs.

Fortunately, Jackie isn’t alone in her ambitions.

Recently, Champion Julie Burroughs ran an Easter workshop for families in Shropshire.

Susan Jackson and Anne Farnsworth, organisers of NG16 Help Hedgehogs in Nottinghamshire, have attended numerous local events and radio broadcasts over the last couple of years to raise awareness of the Hedgehog decline.

Get involved in our Hedgehog Street campaign by becoming a Hedgehog Champion today!

Since June 2011 over 50,000 people have registered as Hedgehog Champions on Hedgehog Street!

Do you have what is takes to be a Champion?

Remember, you do not need to be an expert to be a Champion, just be willing to help us spread the word. Thanks to Champions like Jackie, our campaign is able to reach a rapidly growing audience, but we are always in need of more support.