Nursery pupils have been immersing themselves into learning all about one of Britain’s most adorable native creatures – the hedgehog.
The Robin class at Hollingarth Day Nursery in Barrow have been busy this February learning all about how to help and protect one of nature’s most prickly animals – the garden hedgehog.
Children aged three to four at Hollingarth, in Prospect Road, have been studying hedgehog habitats and how we can help them now that the species has officially been classed as endangered in 2020.
INTERESTING: The Robin class at Hollingarth Day Nursery in Barrow have been learning about hedgehog habitats and behaviour
The Robin classroom leader Paige McDermott planned a day full of hedgehog-themed fun and did some lovely paintings to take to the Furness Hedgehog Rescue in Dalton.
The Hollingarth Hedgehog Appreciation Day was inspired by the good work done in the area by Irene Cannon at the rescue.
Mrs Cannon set up Furness Hedgehog Rescue 17 years ago after the death of her husband.
Over that time she has single-handedly cared for hundreds of hedgehogs.
INSPIRATION: Irene Cannon of Furness Hedgehog Rescue with one of her hedgehog patients
Because of her tireless work, she has been nominated for environmental volunteer of the year in the Heart of Ulverston Awards.
Mrs Cannon is well known throughout the region for her dedication and passion for raising awareness of hedgehogs and issues affecting them.
Ms McDermott said the children have been learning all about hedgehog habitats and behaviours which has definitely captured the interest of the nursery pupils.
She said: “The children have really enjoyed learning about hedgehogs today. We have had so much fun with a habitat-themed interest table where we learned all about what hedgehogs like to eat, where they live and what all of their little behaviours are.
TEACH: Paige McDermott has been teaching pupils about hedgehogs
“We are now finally drawing to the end of a long winter and we have been discussing with the children about how hedgehogs hibernate and how they will soon be waking up for springtime.
“At story time we read a lovely children’s book called How Can I Help Roly the Hedgehog? which was written in partnership with the National Trust.
"The children asked lots of questions and they were excited to go and look for signs of hedgehogs in their own gardens at home.”
Gabrielle Rowley, Hollingarth company manager, stressed the importance of appreciating and protecting our national wildlife.
LEARN: Nursery pupils Emmeline and Eliza learnt all about hedgehogs
She said: “Paige always has something interesting happening for the Robin class children every day.
“Already for 2021 Paige has celebrated National Storytelling Week, Chinese New Year, a Harry Potter Day for JK Rowling’s birthday, Burns Night, Snow Days, Valentine’s Day and Shrove Tuesday among many others.
“Paige is doing an absolutely amazing job of enriching the children’s learning experience and has been even more special during this third national lockdown when parents are unable to do as many activities with their children outside nursery.
“We are very pleased that Paige and the Robins have dedicated a full day to learning about hedgehogs because it is so important to appreciate and protect our national wildlife.”
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