Hedgehogs visiting my garden

Danny became an Action for Conservation (AFC) Ambassador in 2021 after attending a residential Summer Camp in the South East. Danny has been doing incredible work in his local community in Kent, from starting Litter Kickers (an initiative to tackle waste pollution) with his brother, Jojo, to creating an urban refuge for hedgehogs in his local area. He recently earned a Special Recognition as a Junior Mammal Champion by the Mammal Society in 2025 for his unwavering dedication to supporting hedgehog conservation. 

Recently, on a snowy night, Danny noticed a hedgehog who visited his refuge was not in great condition. Danny sought advice from a local rescue and along with his brother Jojo rescued the hedgehog and named him Terry. Their quick thinking saved Terry who is all set to be released back to Danny’s garden come warmer weather. 

We spoke to Danny to tell us about how he became inspired to take action and what advice he has for other young people interested in doing the same!

What inspired you to start taking action for the hedgehogs in your local community?

Back in 2021, we first noticed a hedgehog in our garden one summer evening, and it was the first time we’d ever seen one. I looked online to try and find out how to help support them. We found out about providing them with fresh water and food, but most importantly with access into and out of our garden so it could forage over as wide an area as possible for insects and caterpillars. At my AFC Ambassador Graduation, we had a hedgehog workshop which was fascinating and made me even more aware of the challenges hedgehogs face and how we need to take action to help them survive. 

Gradually the word must have spread as over the years we have had more than 6 different hedgehogs visiting. We set up wildlife cameras and provided safe feeding stations and hibernation homes, and have now just had two of our residents wake up from hibernation and start visiting nightly again. It’s amazing to watch the footage. I’ve been given a bursary from our local Lions Club and am about to roll out a hedgehog monitoring programme on my school grounds, which will be a great opportunity to raise more awareness and hopefully spread the word even further about how everyone can make their local environment more hedgehog friendly.

Hedgehogs visiting Danny's garden

If you could teach the public 3 facts about hedgehogs that you have learned while working so closely with them, what would you like people to know? 

1. Hedgehogs walk 2 miles a night looking for food, water and a potential mate. Modern gardens, with solid fencing and overdevelopment have dramatically limited their ability to roam freely, so installing a ‘hedgehog highway’ gap in a fence is a lifesaver as it opens up safe corridors for them to use. 

2. Hedgehogs are often victims of devastating strimming accidents when people clear their gardens in spring or autumn. I would like people to add in a routine check of any undergrowth or long grasses before getting the strimmer out to make sure no hedgehogs are curled up in there.

   
   

3. Seeing a hedgehog out in the day is never a good sign, and usually means they need attention at a wildlife rescue urgently.

How have you balanced school, sports and all your extracurricular activities while undertaking this project? 

Recently life is hectic with GCSEs and revision, but sport and my conservation activities give me a good balance of keeping healthy and not burning out. 

My family have always encouraged me to enjoy nature and spend as much time outside as possible, whether playing football, going for walks and working on my litter-picking and hedgehog projects. I know it’s important to give my brain a break to reset when I’ve been studying hard. My school is always very supportive of any of the initiatives that me and Jojo have been involved in and there are lots of people in the local community who encourage us in whatever we’re up to, which makes it feel more worthwhile when you hear that others have been inspired to take action too, whether it’s litter picking or putting food or water out for hedgehogs. 

Knowing that others care too takes the pressure off a bit when I’ve been too busy with mocks, and I know that conservation and taking care of my local environment is something that will always be a big part of my life.

Danny during a tree planting event with AFC

How has Action for Conservation (AFC) supported you during your environmental journey?

During my Ambassador year, I took part in so many events that involved different aspects of conservation and activism, including tree planting and rewilding days. During these sessions, I was able to get first-hand experience of the importance of habitat management and taking action for the other species that share our planet. 

AFC gave me opportunities to increase my knowledge and also follow up on passions that I’ve been interested in from an early age. One of my favourite memories was bird ringing during my initial Summer Camp – I've always loved birds and birdwatching, and to be able to see them closer than I’ve ever been before was something I will always remember and never thought I’d have the chance to do. 

Danny releasing a bird during a bird ringing session

Do you have any advice for other young people who are starting their own environmental journey?

If you care enough about something, you have the power to make it happen and make important changes. Even small local changes in your immediate local environment can be the start of something very powerful. Look for people who see the world like you do and encourage each other – it's inspiring to know you are not the only one who cares. If you’re just starting out with AFC, make the most of every opportunity you have and enjoy the journey!

Thanks for reading!

Danny