As part of the Wildlife Trusts’ national hedgehog walking challenge in partnership with Timmy Time of the multi-award-winning studio Aardman and running from 30^th March - 30^th April, the wildlife charity will be hosting two free walking events for little legs at Northumberlandia in Cramlington and Weetslade Country Park on the outskirts of Newcastle.

On Thursday 16^th April, between 11:00am and 12 noon young explorers aged 3+ are invited to the first hedgehog walk at Northumberlandia to discover fascinating facts about hedgehogs and how the site works to conserve them - all under the watchful eye of the Lady of the North herself.

Fast forward to Friday 20^th April between 11:00am and 12 noon, when the wildlife charity will be hosting its second hedgehog walk this time at Weetslade Country Park.

Again, aimed at little legs aged 3+ the walk will be a perfect opportunity for them to learn more about hedgehog behaviour on the former Weetslade Colliery site as well as spotting the signs of spring along the way.

Both walks take place during the same time hedgehogs start to come out of hibernation and have been made possible thanks to support from the Land Trust.

Frances Smiles, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Community Events Co-ordinator says:

“Hedgehog numbers having fallen by 30% in just over 10 years, there are now thought to be fewer than one million left in the UK and are disappearing from our countryside as fast as tigers are worldwide, so bring your hoglets to our two walks this April to find out more about what you can do to help and take part in something that makes a real difference.”

Although the walks are free, places do need to be booked to give an indication of numbers www.nwt.org.uk/events