Families across Northern Ireland 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.

The challenge takes place from the 31^st of March to the 13^th of April, 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 9 species threatened with extinction in Northern Ireland, it has never been more important to help wildlife, so get out exploring with Apricot and walking with 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.

Katy Bell, Senior Conservation Officer at Ulster Wildlife, says:

"Hedgehogs are a beloved species in Northern Ireland, known for their prickly bodies, black noses, and tiny little legs. But with numbers greatly declining across Northern Ireland in the last decade, the sad reality is that our future generations may never see one in the wild. That’s why we’re encouraging families to walk for wildlife—covering the 3km a hedgehog can travel each night—to raise funds to protect these special creatures, ensuring children can experience the wonderful wildlife we were lucky to grow up with."

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!

The Hedgehog Walk will take place from Monday the 31^st of March to Sunday the 13^th of April. It’s when the clocks go forward and evenings get lighter, so it's a great time for all ages to enjoy the great outdoors.

Sign-up today

Use the hashtag #HedgehogWalk on social media to share your adventure!