
Walking in the wood Peter Cairns/2020VISION
The Wildlife Trusts Big Wild Walk
Walking in the wood Peter Cairns/2020VISION
Families, schools and clubs across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire 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 31st March to 13th 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!
Family with binoculars in the heather by David Tipling/2020VISION
With 1 in 6 species threatened with extinction, 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.
BBOWT’s Community Engagement Director, Liz Shearer, says: “Walking for wildlife is a fantastic way for families to connect with nature while helping protect it. The Hedgehog Walk is not just about raising funds—it's about sparking a love for the environment and empowering the next generation to take action for nature. With hedgehogs and so many other species facing challenges, collective movements like these really count. We hope this fun, interactive challenge will give children the confidence to advocate for nature, and the knowledge that even small acts can make a big difference for wildlife and their habitats.”
Children learning in nature by Helena Dolby
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!”
Use the hashtag #HedgehogWalk on social media to share your adventure!
Timmy and Apricot copyright 2025 Aardman Animations Ltd
Maddie Moate, children’s TV presenter and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, says:
“When I was little, I remember watching my mum nurse hedgehogs back to health after finding them poorly, so this challenge feels particularly close to home. All of nature is so important, and getting everyone involved, no matter how young, is completely necessary – little feet can make a big change so let’s make every step count! Sign up from 24th February and join Timmy, Apricot and friends as you walk for wildlife!”
The Hedgehog Walk will take place from Monday 31st March to Sunday 13th 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.