Wolves have joined a number of other Premier League and EFL clubs in signing up to the Hedgehog Friendly Football League, which sees clubs compete to become the most hedgehog friendly.
Run by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), the Hedgehog Friendly Football League is for professional football clubs who see hedgehog welfare as important and who want to make stadiums and training grounds across the country more wildlife friendly.
In signing up, Wolves pledge to promote awareness across the football community of how people can help protect hedgehogs in the wild and make green spaces – from parks to gardens – more biodiverse and welcoming for hedgehogs.
This includes putting special campaign stickers on all pitch mowing equipment to remind staff to check for hedgehogs before use and carrying out other hedgehog-friendly actions, such as handing out information leaflets to fans and sharing BHPS advice on social media.
Joining the Hedgehog Friendly Football League is the club’s latest One Pack, One Planet initiative – a project launched in February 2023, focusing on Wolves’ commitment to environmental sustainability.
Wolves head of grounds Wayne Lumbard said: “Through our commitment to biodiversity, not only do we have to provide a habitat for the bees and butterflies but for all animals, and no more so the hedgehogs that may be in the long undergrowth we mow or strim at Compton Park.
“So, we have teamed up with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, raising awareness of the hedgehog society, and will always check the area and equipment before we mow, searching for any animals that may be there, especially hedgehogs.”
Fay Vass, chief executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, said: “We have been delighted at the response to this campaign from the football community and thank Wolves for getting involved.
“Whilst there may not be many hedgehogs present at Molineux and Compton Park, we hope that it will save some lives by encouraging fans to check areas before mowing and strimming, just like their team does! Hedgehog numbers are in serious decline, and we need to do all we can to help them.”
Earlier this year, Wolves published their first environmental sustainability report as part of their One Pack, One Planet project, which can be read here.
Below are a number of ways supporters can ensure they’re protecting the hedgehogs in day-to-day life.
- Move piles of garden rubbish to a new site before burning it – and only build bonfires on the day they are to be lit.
- Create a 13x13cm square gap (the same as a CD case) at the base of boundary fences in gardens.
- Ensure all netting is kept at a safe height.
- Check compost heaps before digging.
- Stop or reduce the amount of pesticides and poisons used.
- Cover drains or deep holes.
- Ensure there is an easy route out of ponds and pools – such as a pebble beach or wildlife ramp.
Visit britishhedgehogs.org.uk for more information and follow @hedgehogsociety on X for updates on #HogFriendlyFootball.
