Birthplace Trust to host hedgehog awareness event this weekend
They may be quite prickly characters but the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is on a mission to improve the lives of hedgehogs in Warwickshire by hosting a hedgehog awareness day this Saturday.
As part of Hedgehog Awareness Week, the team at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is inviting visitors to take part in a fun-filled day of activities including hedgehog house making and hedgehog trails.
The event will also include a talk from the young founders of Stratford-based Hedgehog Friendly Town.
Eleven-year-olds Kyra Barboutis, Eve Green and Sophie Smith, who picked up a Pride of Stratford Award in recognition of their efforts last year, will explain their mission to help the county’s hedgehogs live happy and healthy lives.
Visitors will be able to get advice on what they can do to help hedgehogs and resident artist Lisa Yardley will be on hand to help people make their own hedgehog house in the family activity tent.
Emily White, house steward at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage said: “We are thrilled to be hosting Hedgehog Awareness Day here at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. We’re proud to work alongside the girls from Hedgehog Friendly Town, rehabilitating injured hogs and finding them a new home in the very grounds Shakespeare once walked through.
“Since November 2016 we have rehomed 21 hedgehogs and are excited to share our passion for these creatures with our visitors through fun activities for all the family to enjoy.”
Hedgehog Awareness Day takes place at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage this Saturday (6 May) and activities are included with a valid ticket. For more information visit: www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/whats-on/hedgehog-awareness-day/
The girls from Hedgehog Friendly Town recently featured on BBC Countryfile.
Kyra’s mum Helen Barboutis said: “Eve and her family came round, along with all our family including Kyra’s grandma and some close friends of ours. Sophie stayed at home with her parents.
“The girls were so excited, jumping around and were delighted with the way it all looked. They have had over 100 more people like and follow them which should really help raise awareness for the hogs, along with loads of lovely comments and messages.”
