Hedgehogs find a new home at Strathallan School

Seeking a suitable environment for their rescue hogs, Scottish SPCA approached Strathallan School which, as partner of the Northwoods Rewilding Network, is committed to fostering greater biodiversity on campus, most recently dedicating over 53 acres of land to rewilding efforts.

Already a thriving habitat for rabbits, deer, swans and other wildlife, the school was delighted to welcome 10 hedgehogs to campus.

Strathallan Biology Teacher and Lead of the School’s Eco-Skills groups, Paul Vallot, said, “We were delighted to get the call. The SSPCA team was fantastic in coaching our pupils, parents, and staff on the chosen locations at school and how best to care for the hedgehogs now residing here. We are thrilled to welcome even more wildlife onto our campus.”

A small group of families were on hand to learn more about their new neighbours and how best to help feed them over the next few months.

Strathallan School pupils and sisters Kate and Amy M said that rehoming the hedgehogs was an experience that they won’t forget.

Amy said, “Releasing the hedgehogs was amazing. To give them a better home felt great, I’m sure they will love it here."

Kate added, “It was so fun getting to name some of them and seeing their handlers setting them free. I was surprised by how small they were and how fast they went off into their new habitats.”

Manager of the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre, Chris Hogsden, said, “Every year we see hundreds of hedgehogs come into our wildlife hospital.

“Being able to release hedgehogs safely back into their natural environment is one of our main priorities and we are delighted Strathallan school are becoming hedgehog helpers to use their 53 acres of land to help.

“If anyone spots a hedgehog out during the day then we would advise people to contact us if they believe it may be injured or struggling. Bear in mind even in winter hedgehogs will forage on occasions so will be seen out from time to time. If a hoglet is on their own or if a hedgehog looks thin or wobbly then people should contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

Further information on hedgehogs can be found on the Scottish SPCA website: www.scottishspca.org/advice/hedgehog

In 2023, Strathallan School was awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag, recognising the environmental efforts of pupils over the last two years, including the planting of 400 trees and reducing food waste. In December, pupils from the Prep School were invited to present their environmental ideas and solutions at COP 28’s Youth Call to Action.

The school has also recently introduced Wild Walks for Wellbeing, a series of innovative nature boards connected to twelve narrations allowing walkers to listen to the natural history of the school, which includes an impressive arboretum.