AN OTLEY hedgehog rescue is holding its third annual fundraiser in May as part of events for Hedgehog Awareness Week.
The Prickly Pigs Hedgehog Rescue event takes place on Saturday, May 11 at Bridge Church, Bridge Street, Otley, on Saturday May 11 from 10am to 4pm.
It promises to be a day of excitement for hedgehog enthusiasts. Activities will include a raffle, tombola, cake stall, win a teddy, children's crafts, hedgehog-themed merchandise and much more. Enjoy refreshments with their tea and coffee service. All proceeds will directly support the self-funded rescue, which relies on donations to operate.
In 2024 alone, Prickly Pigs Hedgehog Rescue has cared for 504 hedgehogs in need of medical attention and rehabilitation, aiming to release them back into the wild.
Rescue owner Diane Cook said: "Hedgehogs are facing a significant decline in Britain. According to a study by the People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), the population of hedgehogs in rural areas of the UK has fallen by at least 50 per cent over the past two decades, and they are now considered to be an endangered species. They are on the Red List of British Mammals, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect hedgehogs and their habitats.
"Join the local community at Bridge Church on May 11th to support this special cause while enjoying a day of festivities. Your contribution aids Prickly Pigs in our mission to provide essential care to these beloved animals. Let's make a difference together!"
As part of activities people are invited to take part in a Hedgehog Trail around Otley.
Visit each of the participating businesses and look out for a decorated hedgehog in the shop windows. Each hedgehog has a name which you need to write down next to the corresponding number. Scan the QR codes to find out each hedgehog’s story and fun facts about the rescue and hedgehogs.
Diane added: "We've teamed up with Westgate Primary School and local businesses to set up a hedgehog trail, around the centre of Otley, to coincide with Hedgehog Awareness Week. Visit each business and look out for one of our hedgehogs decorated by children from Westgate Primary School. Once you've spotted the hedgehog write down its name on the sheet. There are 22 to find!
"The trail is free to take part but don't forget to bring your completed sheet to our event to be entered into our free draw to win a Hedgehog Adoption pack."
A hedgehog trail map can be downloaded from www.pricklypigs.co.uk.
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