Keen young conservationists at Newington Community Primary in Ramsgate are creating homes for hedgehogs.
Year 3 children decided they wanted to help protect the creatures after being inspired by the acclaimed story of the Hodgeheg, Dick King-Smith’s classic storybook about the adventures of young Max, a hedgehog who muddles his words.
The group feel so passionately about saving hedgehogs in the local area that they have written to their MP Polly Billington asking questions about road safety in Newington and how it could be made safer for their small prickly friends.
The group ventured to the Newington copse near the school and set about collecting material to create secure hideaways where the creatures can rest, hibernate and breed safely.
They picked secluded spots that were sheltered to make their hedgehog homes using branches, twigs and leaves that they collected.
They also decided to create homes for the clay hedgehogs they made in school.
Head Teacher Hannah Tudor said: “The group were really keen to do something to help hedgehogs in their natural habit and the copse was the perfect setting.
“They worked hard and enthusiastically to make sure there were places for the creatures to feel protected and sheltered.
“Our pupils learn about the importance of democracy and the role of their MP and it was a lovely idea to contact Ms Billington. They are looking forward to her reply.
“The Hodgeheg is a fantastic text and it is wonderful that it inspired them to find out more about the natural world and support the environment and conservation.
“We believe it is important that learning inspires all types of responses and opportunities, and The Hodgeheg and its resultant hedgehog homes built by Year 3 is a perfect example of this type of enriched learning we enjoy at Newington.”
To find out more about hedgehogs go online to www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk.
A really positive article and well done to all the children involved.