The World's First Holiday Park For Hedgehogs Has Opened In The UK

Caravan park Parkdean Resorts has started a nationwide initiative to offer hedgehogs a 'holiday resort' of their own, in order to raise awareness about their dwindling populations, and the risks that they face every day.

The resort - filled with cosy caravan homes with double glazed windows, bunting and picket fences - is everything a human could dream of but in miniature, making it a truly luxurious stay for our spiky little friends.

There's even mini street lamps and a decking area where the hedgehogs can stroll to take in the view. So cute!

Starting as a local initiative in its White Cross Bay Holiday Park in the Lake District, the hedgehog parks were such a success that they have now cropped up in all Parkdean branches across the country.

It was inspired by the news that hedgehogs were recently put on the endangered species list.

In fact, while wild hedgehogs numbered around 30 million in 1950, there were only 500,000 in 2018 - a staggering 98 per cent decrease in the population.

If hedgehogs continue to die at the rate they are now, there very well may be none left in two years, and they could be rendered extinct, experts have warned.

By building the park, the holiday resort wanted to ensure they could have a safe and cosy home.

Parkdean Resorts)

However, they are also hoping the public can help them in heir mission.

They want visitors make their own hibernation hog hotels at home, ensure ponds are safe with ramps for the creatures to climb out of, so they avoid drowning, and throw away all slug pellets and harmful pesticides which could be poisoning the creatures, too.

Chief Customer Officer at Parkdean Resorts, Catherine Lynn said: "Hedgehogs becoming endangered is a massive blow for UK wildlife and wildlife lovers.

Parkdean Resort)

"We wanted to do something big and bold to grab the nation's attention and encourage everyone to play their part in helping protect them from extinction.

"And what's more eye-catching than a miniature holiday park, designed and built especially for hedgehogs? We hope this world's first will inspire people to support our prickly pals at their most vulnerable time of year."

What a cute idea. Who's going to try making their own hog hotel at home?!

Topics: Life News, Life, Animals

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

@joannafreedman