Families, schools and clubs across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are encouraged to take on a 3km walking challenge to fundraise for wildlife. The challenge, in partnership with Timmy Time of the multi-award-winning studio Aardman, will see families walking, wheeling or rolling the same distance a hedgehog wanders in a single night.

Sign up is now open for the challenge, which takes place from Monday 31 March to Sunday 13 April. This is the same time hedgehogs start to come out of hibernation and can be done in any way you and your hoglets want! After signing up online, those taking part will receive lots of downloadable activities, including spotter sheets, a Hedgehog Walk poster and litter picking guides. Top fundraisers who raise over £30 for wildlife will also receive a special prize, such as an exclusive sew-on patch!

With 1 in 6 species threatened with extinction, it has never been more important to help wildlife, so get out exploring with Apricot and Timmy to make a difference. The little legs walking 3km this spring will grow up to be the next generation of eco leaders, wildlife champions, and environmental changemakers, and this challenge could help them take those first steps.

Laura Jones, Fundraising Officer at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, says:

“Get your hoglets out walking for wildlife with the Hedgehog Walk. Nature in the UK is having a really hard time. Not just hedgehogs, but the trees on our streets and bees too. We can all do our small part to make a difference. Join our 3km walking challenge this spring to experience more of the nature around you while you also fundraise to protect the incredible wildlife, wild places and wild things we’re so lucky to still have here in Staffordshire. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #HedgehogWalk on social media to share your adventures with us!”

Rachael Peacock, Senior Brand Manager at Aardman, the creators of Timmy Time, says:

“We are delighted to be partnering again with The Wildlife Trusts for this special collaboration. Timmy and Apricot are the perfect companions to explore the great outdoors with, and we really believe that this partnership will encourage families to get their welly boots on and raise money for a great cause!”

Maddie Moate, children’s TV presenter and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, says: 

“When I was little, I remember watching my mum nurse hedgehogs back to health after finding them poorly, so this challenge feels particularly close to home. All of nature is so important, and getting everyone involved, no matter how young, is completely necessary – little feet can make a big change so let’s make every step count! Sign up and join Timmy, Apricot and friends as you walk for wildlife!”