A LUDLOW-based charity is urging communities across the UK to take part in a hedgehog-friendly litter pick challenge.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society's challenge, running on a national scale, will run from September 19 to November 30, with schools, colleges and universities asked to sign up as teams to compete for the most litter collected from around their communities.

Other members of the community, like families and groups of neighbours, can also take part in the challenge.

Fay Vass, CEO of the society, which is based near Ludlow, said: "Litter causes real problems for hedgehogs and other wildlife. Things like crisp packets, elastic bands, takeaway cups and plastic bags can trap or injure hedgehogs."

Anyone interested in signing up to the challenge can do so at https://www.hedgehogfriendlycampus.co.uk/litterpickchallenge. 

In last year's challenge, over a 1500 volunteers took part and collected up almost 1000 binbags of litter.

All volunteers receive a digital certificate, with the winning teams getting a hedgehog house and hedgehog food courtesy of the society.

The society is a registered charity founded in 1982, with the aim of protecting hedgehogs native to the UK. Through campaigns, advocacy and educational projects, it raises awareness of the practical steps everyone can take to help reverse the decline of hedgehogs in the wild, improve their welfare and safeguard the future of the much-loved animal. The society also funds research into the conservation and welfare of hedgehogs.