“Getting involved has given the children opportunities”

Lauren Cairns, Headteacher of Coed-y-Garn (CyG) Primary in Wales, explains how her school gained Gold level in the Hedgehog Friendly School awards and what it meant to her pupils.

“Our school is situated deep within the South Wales Valleys in the county borough of Blaneau Gwent.

“When we asked the children if they wanted to help save the hedgehogs, it was a resounding yes! Getting involved has given the children opportunities to develop their skills and interests.

“During the Hedgehog Friendly Schools launch at CyG last year, children and staff across the school took part in virtual assemblies, research projects and craft activities. “We put information in the newsletter, on our school website and in letters home to parents in a bid to share the plight of hedgehogs within our school and wider community.

“After the children did a hedgehog hazards audit of our grounds, we removed football nets and organised regular litter picks to keep hedgehogs safe.

“We joined the Big Hog-Friendly Litter Pick Challenge, a national competition run by Hedgehog Friendly Campus. We even installed a hedgehog highway through the school grounds and redesigned the school pond, ensuring there was an escape route for hedgehogs.

“To increase hedgehog habitats, we planted hedgehog-friendly trees and shrubs, but also let a patch of our grounds grow wild. Children made bug hotels and log piles to help hedgehogs feed and rest.

“All of this hard work has paid off. Children found hedgehog footprints after undertaking a footprint survey. Then, early one morning, our caretaker saw a hedgehog near our wild corner!

“Next, we want to develop a hedgehog friendly road crossing and we will continue to plant more trees and shrubs to keep our prickly visitor safe and happy.”