Aurora Hedgeway School launches Hedgehog Friendly Campus project

With fewer than one million hedgehogs estimated to remain in Britain, the species is considered vulnerable because of threats like habitat loss, new housing developments, road hazards and unsafe gardening practices. Staff and students at Aurora Hedgeway School are committed to doing their bit by promoting hedgehog-friendly practices both on school grounds and within the wider community.

Hedgehog homes and bug hotels

As part of the project, students have taken the lead in designing and building hedgehog homes, bug hotels and a feeding tree. They’ve thoughtfully placed them around the school to create safe habitats for local hedgehogs and other wildlife.  

Through hands-on activities and curriculum-linked lessons, students have been learning about the decline in hedgehog populations and researching practical ways to safeguard their future.

As well as improving the school grounds, staff and students have plans to involve the community by introducing more wildlife homes and hotels in the local neighbourhood.

Create your own hedgehog haven

If you’re feeling inspired, here are five easy ways you can support and encourage hedgehogs in your garden or community green space:

1. Create hedgehog highways - cut a small hole at the bottom of your garden fence or wall to let hedgehogs move between gardens.
2. Provide shelter - put a hedgehog house in a quiet, shaded area that’s free of any flood risk, or make a natural shelter using piles of leaves, logs or compost.
3. Offer food and water – leave out hedgehog-friendly food, such as wet cat or dog food or specially formulated dry hedgehog food. Avoid milk and bread, as these can make hedgehogs ill, as can unwanted pumpkins after Halloween. Provide fresh water in a shallow dish, especially during hot or dry weather.
4. Beware of hazards - check for hedgehogs before using strimmers or mowers. Cover drains, holes and ponds, or provide a ramp for hedgehogs to escape if they fall in. Avoid using slug pellets and pesticides, as these can poison hedgehogs. Be sure to check bonfires before lighting.
5. Create a wildlife-friendly garden - let areas of your garden grow wild to encourage insects and invertebrates which are a natural food source for hedgehogs. Plant hedges or shrubs to create safe spaces and natural cover.

Aurora Hedgeway School in Pilning, Bristol provides flexible specialist education for children and young people aged 7-19 years old with communication and associated difficulties.