A British animal charity is calling on UK wildlife lovers to have a crack at making their very best hedgehog cake – and the results will judged by a former Great British Bake Off contestant.
Hedgehog Street is a joint initiative set up by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and People’s Trust for Endangered Species to help stop Britain’s only spiny mammal, the humble hedgehog, from going extinct.
The campaign encourages people to sign up as ‘Hedgehog Champions’ and commit to establishing hedgehog ‘homes’, ‘feeding stations’ and ‘highways’ (holes in garden fences which allow hedgehogs through) in their local area.
Celebrating its 10th birthday this year, the charity has launched a special competition this September to find the UK’s best hedgehog cake – though pavlovas, biscuits, tarts and other sweet treats are also welcome.
Participants have until Sunday, October 3, to submit their hedgehog-themed bakes via social media, using the hashtag#HedgehogStreetBakeOff.
Creations will then be judged by 2018 Great British Bake Off finalist Kim-Joy , according to their ‘look’.
However, those of us who are far from star bakers need not worry, with the most ‘hideous’ submission also able to win a prize.
A statement on the website explains: “Not sure your cake measures up?
“Don’t worry, in the spirit of fun we’ll have some extra winning categories so be creative with your bakes and submit your hideous hogs too!”
The winner will receive a hamper of hedgehog goodies, with extra ‘hoggy prizes’ for the other categories too.
The competition is open to all registered ‘Hedgehog Champions’, which is free to sign up to and includes access to downloadable resources, a community forum and gallery, plus monthly hedgehog news via email.
Grace Johnson, hedgehog officer for Hedgehog Street, added to 2Chill: “We can’t wait to see everyone’s hedgehoggy bakes to celebrate our 10th birthday.
“Hedgehogs are a beloved species (and inspiration for many a cake), but are sadly in decline in the UK.
“We can all help hedgehogs by popping a 13cm square gap (called hedgehog highways) in garden fences and leaving log and leaf piles in the garden which make ideal hedgehog nests.
Hedgehog Street has nearly 100,000 registered ‘Hedgehog Champions’, with 99,804 in total.
Visit the website for more ways to help ‘hogs’. More details about the competition and how to enter here.
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