THERE was a giant hedgehog at a recent family event held by Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) at a nature reserve outside Oswestry.

The SWT event at Bwlytai Wood in Trefonen – held last month – was part of a den making session for youngsters and their families as part of the trust’s programme.

They came together to make a willow hedgehog, led by willow weaver Caroline Lowe, putting it together on site before it was walked by children inside it across the field back to a car to be transported.

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David Hardwick, from the SWT Oswestry branch, was delighted with how the day went.

He said: “We all had great fun making it and I'm delighted it will now be enjoyed by children at Morda School.”

Border Counties Advertizer: Morda Primary School pupils with the hedgehog. Morda Primary School pupils with the hedgehog. (Image: Shropshire Wildlife Trust.)

The finished hedgehog has now found a permanent home at Morda Primary School.

Julie Kavanagh, a regular volunteer leader of Oswestry Branch's children's events, is also a teacher at the school.

Sarah Gibson, an author and part of Shropshire Wildlife, said the event was enjoyed by all who attended and added that similar days will be available in 2024.

She added: “The event was organised through Oswestry’s branch of Shropshire Wildlife Trust as part of a regular programme of outdoor events.

“This was particularly targeted at families and we wanted a lot of families to come and make the hedgehog.

“The branch had a bit of money to pay Caroline to do the weaving and then the kids came to help.

“There was some den making and now and arrows too as well as the hedgehog.

“The people who came to the event with their families really enjoyed and had a really good time.

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“It shows that if people support these events, they’re there for them.

“David used to run a lot of these and hopefully there will be another one in the New year, but the dates to be confirmed.

“Keep an eye on the SWT website.”

For more about Shropshire Wildlife Trust, head to https://www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/