CHILDREN at Barugh Green Primary School have been learning about how to make their local area hedgehog friendly this week.

As part of Hedgehog Awareness Week, the pupils carried out a ‘hog-friendly’ litter pick in the area, as well as creating posters to raise awareness about the dangers to the animals.

Jo Burton, deputy headteacher, told the Chronicle: “Hedgehog Awareness Week began with a fantastic assembly from volunteers from Shelley Hedgehogs who talked to children about the importance of putting out shallow bowls of water for hedgehogs in hot weather, and checking gardens for hedgehogs before strimming grass or mowing the lawn.

“Children made signs for hedgehog highways, made hedgehog crossing signs and made a banner to promote No Mow May.

“The youngest children made bug houses and created log piles for hedgehogs, and children in key stage two mapped the various habitats on the school grounds.

“The Hedgehog Friendly Schools Working Group - comprising staff pupils and parents - also carried out an audit of hedgehog hazards in the local area and set up some hedgehog homes which were kindly donated to the school.

“Staff are so proud of the excellent enthusiasm and support from children and families to address the falling numbers of hedgehogs.”