Families across Staffordshire are being invited to take part in a fun, wildlife-friendly challenge this spring, as the much-loved Hedgehog Walk returns from Monday 30th March to Thursday 30th April.
The family-friendly fundraising event, run by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust in partnership with Timmy Time from award-winning animation studio Aardman, encourages children and their families to walk 3km — the same distance a hedgehog can travel in a single night to help raise vital funds for nature.
Leading the call this year are six-year-old Carter and his four-year-old sister Violet, from Cannock Wood, who are encouraging children across the county to join them on a wild adventure and help protect hedgehogs.
A Simple Challenge With a Big Impact
Participants can complete the 3km challenge in one go or break it up into smaller walks, wheels, crawls or rolls, choosing when and where suits them best. Families, schools, clubs and learning groups are all welcome to take part.
The Hedgehog Walk takes place just as hedgehogs begin to emerge from hibernation, making it the perfect time to raise awareness of their plight. Hedgehog numbers in the UK have fallen by around 30% in just over a decade, with fewer than one million now thought to remain.
Funds raised through the challenge will support wildlife conservation across Staffordshire, helping protect habitats and inspire young people to care for nature.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Laura Jones, Fundraising Officer at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and mum to Carter and Violet, said:
We were so inspired to join in with the Hedgehog Walk last year after realising that, during our children’s lifetimes, hedgehogs could go extinct.
After signing up, we quickly saw just how simple, fun and educational the challenge really is. It helped us truly understand how vital the work of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is and we’re so excited to be joining in again this year. – Laura Jones, Fundraising Officer at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and mum to Carter and Violet
Families who sign up will receive a free downloadable activity pack filled with Timmy Time-themed fun, including posters, activity sheets, fact cards and progress trackers to help children mark their 3km milestone and learn how to care for wildlife.
Making Every Step Count
Every donation helps make a difference. For example:
- £27 could help a local child engage with nature through a play or educational session
- £50 could help care for a Staffordshire nature reserve for a day
Rachael Peacock, Head of Brand Marketing at Aardman, added:
It’s a brilliant opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors together, learn about wildlife, and take part in something that makes a real difference with Timmy and Apricot leading the way. – Rachael Peacock, Head of Brand Marketing at Aardman
Whether you’re strolling through the park, exploring woodland trails or counting laps in the playground, every step helps build a better future for wildlife.
Families are encouraged to share their adventures on social media using #HedgehogWalk.
Find Out More
To sign up or find out more about the Hedgehog Walk, visit: www.wildlifetrusts.org/hedgehog-walk
