Hedgehog Mural Kicks Off Campaign

A wall mural of a hedgehog was painted at High Chelmer Shopping Centre on 30 September. Essex Wildlife Trust commissioned the mural to launch their latest campaign, Nature Neighbours.

The Trust worked with local mural artist David ‘Gnasher’ Nash of Gnasher Murals to create the hedgehog artwork. The mural intends to remind the public that wildlife lives within urban landscapes, just as it does in nature reserves and rural areas.

Nature Neighbours is a new initiative, set to be a yearly campaign, focusing on supporting and protecting vulnerable species over the colder seasons.

Bailey Tait, Campaigns Officer for Essex Wildlife Trust, says:

“We are excited to launch our latest campaign, Nature Neighbours, to help raise awareness of vulnerable species over the winter. The positioning of this mural at High Chelmer Shopping Centre reminds people that wildlife shares our urban environment. We need to lend a helping hand to the wildlife in need, and this campaign can help us all do that.”

Karen Howard, Centre Manager for High Chelmer Shopping Centre, adds:

“High Chelmer is delighted to continue its longstanding partnership with the Essex Wildlife Trust by offering space at the centre to host this fantastic mural. Caring for our local wildlife is so important, and we hope this mural inspires our visitors to make safe spaces within their gardens for hedgehogs.”