Independent housebuilder Dandara has donated a set of hedgehog hotels to Airyhall School in Aberdeen, helping pupils protect one of the UK’s most loved – and most endangered garden visitors ahead of the hedgehogs’ hibernation season this October.
The donation is part of a growing relationship between Dandara and the school, which sits just a short walk from the housebuilder’s Hazelwood development. Pupils from Primary 6 will place the new ‘hedgehog hotels’ in the school’s garden and allotment, creating safe and sheltered spaces for hedgehogs to nest and hibernate over winter.
The initiative supports Airyhall’s work towards earning its 11th Eco-Schools Green Flag Award – a significant achievement that reflects years of environmental engagement and leadership. This year’s Green Flag topics include Biodiversity, School Grounds and Climate Action, with pupils actively involved in developing a more sustainable and nature-friendly playground as part of the school’s wider eco programme.
Dandara has also implemented hedgehog highways at several of its developments to ensure these nocturnal creatures can roam more freely between gardens, supporting healthy habitats and urban biodiversity.
Claire Bathgate, Head of Sales at Dandara Aberdeen, said: We’re always proud to support local schools, especially when the projects are as hands-on and inspiring as this. It’s brilliant to see pupils so engaged with biodiversity and climate action – these aren’t easy topics, but Airyhall is doing a fantastic job of bringing them to life in a way that’s really meaningful. Helping hedgehogs might seem small, but for the pupils and the local wildlife it can make a big difference.”
Aberdeen City Council Education and Childrens’ Services convener Councillor Martin Greig said: “We’re very grateful to Dandara for this generous and thoughtful donation. Our pupils are incredibly passionate about wildlife and sustainability, and the hedgehog houses are a wonderful addition to the school grounds and allotment. There has already been some fantastic ideas from the children about where to place them.”
Aberdeen City Council Education and Childrens’ Services vice convener Councillor Jessica Mennie said: “As the school works towards its 11th Green Flag, projects like this show how real-world actions can inspire young people to become responsible stewards of the environment.”
The hedgehog homes will be maintained and monitored by pupils throughout the year as part of the school’s ongoing eco work, supported by teachers and the school’s eco committee.
To learn more about Dandara, visit www.dandara.com