Giant hedgehog takes up residence at Sudeley Castle

A giant seven by three-foot hedgehog has arrived at our local historical attraction - Sudeley Castle. It completes the ‘Sudeley Sculpture Safari’ and is the newest addition to Sudeley Castle’s CoExistence attraction.

In response to the alarming hedgehog decline by up to 75% in rural areas*, the giant sculpture will shine a spotlight on Britain’s native species and the need to help nature through coexistence, whilst bringing a smile to visitors’ faces. The hedgehog joins a procession of iconic life-sized animal sculptures made in flowers and natural materials, from every corner of the Earth. The sculptures call for humans’ peaceful coexistence with nature. 

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The giant hedgehog will become the star of the show this Easter in the ‘Sudeley Sculpture Safari - CoExistence’.

The ‘Sudeley Sculpture Safari’ contains over 30 spectacular life-sized animal sculptures and ends with ‘the elephant in the room’ – a giant hedgehog – who tells the story of Britain’s hedgehogs and many other native species whose recovery visitors can help.

The hedgehog is handcrafted from willow and living plants and is the size of an adolescent elephant. It joins a procession of naturally made sculptures, including elephants, camels, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, orangutans, and even a whale. Just in time for Easter, visitors will also spot polar bears on an iceberg and zebras inspecting a zebra crossing within the castle’s grounds.

The giant resident hedgehog arrives in response to a new report by two leading wildlife charities that found that Britain's hedgehog population has declined by up to 75% in rural areas*.

To find out more about it and to book tickets, please visit: sudeleycastle.co.uk

As well as exploring the sculptures in the castle’s grounds and gardens, visitors of all ages will also be able to learn how they can help hedgehogs thrive too.

The hedgehog sculpture was created by British artist Steve Manning and took eight weeks to complete. It will need to be watered daily due to the living materials from which it has been crafted.

CoExistence at Sudeley Castle and Gardens is a creative expression of the castle’s commitment to conservation. Sudeley Castle and Gardens has partnered with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT) and Winchcombe Green Town to create a hedgehog highway, install swift bird boxes and plant trees to create new habitats for nature.

Located in the heart of the picturesque Cotswolds, in Winchcombe, just a short drive from Cheltneham town centre, Sudeley Castle and Gardens is home to fascinating treasures from ancient Rome to the present day. Owned by and the home of Elizabeth, Lady Ashcombe, the castle is surrounded by a breath-taking 1,200-acre estate with 10 award-winning gardens. It is also the only private castle in England to have had a queen laid to rest - Katherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII’s six wives.

Elizabeth, Lady Ashcombe Chatelaine of Sudeley Castle and Gardens, said:

“We’ve saved the best till last! This giant hedgehog is the final encounter in the ‘Sudeley Sculpture Safari’ and aims to bring a smile to our visitors’ faces whilst drawing attention to the decline in our dear native species. Sudeley may be best known for its historic treasures but through this creative exhibition we can play a positive role in the biggest challenges of our present day: climate change and the decline in nature.”

State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2022 report- *www.hedgehogstreet.org/state-of-britains-hedgehogs-2022

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