Wire Fence Installs Large Hedgehog Murals to Raise Awareness for Hedgehog Day
In the early hours of February 2nd, Wire Fence surprised visitors at Manchester’s Cringle Park with the secret installation of large, eye-catching hedgehog murals. To celebrate Hedgehog Day, the pop-up gallery aims to spark conversation about one of Britain’s most iconic but endangered species, blending local art with a vital call for conservation.
You can read more about Wire Fence’s charity and community work here.
What Happened?
The murals were installed before dawn in Levenshulme’s Cringle Park by local resident and Wire Fence owner, John Summers. The display was designed to catch the eye of morning commuters and families, using art to raise awareness for Hedgehog Day—an annual event that encourages the public to protect these beautiful creatures.
To help people take action, each mural features a QR code. When scanned, it links to practical, expert advice on how to provide food, water, and safe “highways” for hedgehogs in their own gardens.
Quote from Wire Fence
“We wanted to create something that would bring a smile to people’s faces while highlighting this critical cause. Hedgehogs are on the official vulnerable to extinction list, so I hope the installation will inspire passersby scan the QR code and take some of the small, simple steps to help look after them.”
John Summers, Owner of Wire Fence
About ‘Hedgehog Day’.
Hedgehog Day (February 2) has evolved into a vital conservation event focused on protecting Britain’s native hedgehog, which is currently in decline. The day is used to encourage “hedgehog-friendly” gardening, such as creating “Hedgehog Highways” (small holes in fences) and leaving out shallow dishes of water and meaty cat food.
If you would like to get involved, please see list of ways to help Hedeghogs
Hedgehog Survival Facts
The following facts and figures highlight the severity of their decline:
- Vulnerable to Extinction: In 2020, the hedgehog was officially added to the IUCN Red List, marking a critical turning point for the species.
- 97% Population Drop: UK numbers have plummeted from an estimated 30 million in the 1950s to just 1 million today. State of Britain’s Hedgehogs (British Hedgehog Preservation Society / PTES)
- Road Mortality: Between 167,000 and 335,000 hedgehogs are killed on British roads annually, making garden safety and connectivity even more essential. Hedgehog Street
Cringle Park Mural Images
Contact Wire Fence
For more information about this initiative or just to say hello, please contact: [email protected]
We love to hear from bloggers, press, charities, and hedgehog enthusiasts.