For many the Easter holidays have begun and this means there may well be small people to entertain … and I have just the answer!
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One of my earliest toys was a hedgehog (I know, I can hear the gasp of surprise!!) I have long since lost this dear friend - and dear it was. Just after my 8th birthday my parents sent me to a boarding school that was no overburdened with kindness - and was, for a very young at heart, and way too sensitive youngster, a place of torment. I could not risk my special teddy in such a place - it would have been stolen or destroyed - but I was given a fur hedgehog. Now, this was over 50 years ago - wow, I feel old just writing that - but I recollect that it was covered in real fur, probably rabbit. It was perfectly soft and I can still sort of feel it against my cheek as I lay in bed.
Sorry - that was a bit of a therapy session you have just witnessed … back to the business of fun and making.
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society and People’s Trust for Endangered Species have launched an Arts and Crafts Competition with the theme of ‘Give Hedgehogs The Edge’ - encouraging people to make the edges of their gardens and green spaces hedgehog and wildlife friendly.
The winners will be announced during Hedgehog Awareness Week, which starts on 4th May. Submissions close on 27th April.
So, how do you submit? Well, fortunately if you do make a (fake) fur hedgehog, you do not need to post it to the judges, photos will be fine!
All you need to do is head HERE
Now, while you are contemplating what to make, how about a visit to the Hogalogue! The British Preservation Society has a host of hedgehog trinkets that might just stimulate your creativity …
In other news - I am thrilled to be heading to Cornwall to do a couple of talks - in Calstock on the 29th May to talk about Cull of the Wild (that is a VERY old photograph of me!) and then the next day, on the 30th, down in Newquay, doing an event for Prickles and Paws. Come and say hi if you are in the area.
If you would like to read some more of my writing, I contribute a piece loosely related to gardens and gardening once a month to Scribehound Gardening. This a subscription-based publication, but if you can, well, there are some amazing writers and you get a fresh piece every day (also available as an audio download too!)