Widnes Wildlife Project Receives Boost from Redrow Community Fund
The Wonky Garden in Widnes has utilised a generous donation from Redrow's community fund to significantly bolster their vital hedgehog rescue network and broader environmental initiatives. This community-driven organisation works tirelessly to enhance the local environment through biodiversity-enriching projects that support wildlife across the area.
Dual Volunteer Efforts for Wildlife Conservation
Two dedicated volunteer groups form the backbone of this operation. One team maintains an entire acre of grounds at Ditton Community Centre on Dundalk Road, creating and preserving natural habitats. Meanwhile, a second specialist group focuses exclusively on the critical work of rescuing, treating, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and sick hedgehogs back into their natural environment.
Hedgehog Conservation as a Top Priority
Angela Hayler, chair of The Wonky Garden, emphasised the importance of their work: "Hedgehogs are an endangered species, making it one of our top priorities to provide habitats, support rescued sick and orphaned hogs, and educate our community to encourage them to help too." The organisation, which has been honoured with The King's Award for Voluntary Services and participates in the National Garden Scheme, represents excellence in community environmental action.
The £1,500 funding from Redrow has proven invaluable, enabling the purchase of materials to construct over 100 hedgehog houses. These have been acquired by community members wanting to support hedgehogs in their own gardens, alongside essential materials and food supplies for the entire rescue network.
A Thriving Biodiversity Haven
The Wonky Garden itself represents a flourishing blend of secluded garden areas and surrounding parkland, rich in biodiversity and maintained through chemical-free, low-carbon methods. Beyond hedgehog conservation, their other primary objectives include growing fresh fruit and vegetables for local Foodbanks and cultivating cut flowers to bring cheer to those in need within the community.
Expanding Community Impact
At the heart of the group's work lies an extensive community network of individuals and organisations, including their innovative 'Grow Network'. Through this initiative, they assist others in greening their own spaces and creating habitats that support nature. Angela Hayler further explained: "The recent addition of The Yard has expanded our capacity to grow more plants for our community and visitors, while also providing a home for our active carpentry group." This skilled team crafts hedgehog houses, bird and bug boxes, and various garden and craft items for practical use, community projects, and sale.
Corporate Recognition of Environmental Excellence
Amanda Jones, head of sales at Redrow NW, praised the organisation's efforts: "The Wonky Garden epitomises a community-driven group that works to better the local environment for both wildlife and people. Their dedication to improving local biodiversity is evident in everything they do, from nurturing wildlife-friendly spaces to championing sustainable, chemical-free growing practices." She added: "We were particularly inspired by their work with hedgehog rescue, helping to rehabilitate and release hedgehogs back into the wild. It's exactly the sort of meaningful, hands-on impact we want to see flourishing in our community."
This partnership between corporate social responsibility and grassroots environmental action demonstrates how targeted funding can create tangible benefits for local wildlife conservation efforts, particularly for endangered species like hedgehogs that face increasing threats in urban and suburban landscapes.
