YOLANDE Watson came to a recent meeting of Ross Rotary Club to talk about the rewilding Ross-on-Wye schools project within the scope of the Hedgehog Festival.

She said the Hedgehog Festival in Ross-on-Wye delivers educational nature and arts based events to teach children and adults of all ages about preserving hedgehogs and their habitats as well as raising their awareness about our town's ancient links to the hedgehog.

She added that the festivals aim is for adults and children of all ages (but predominantly families with primary school-aged children) to learn about how they can help preserve local wildlife (especially small mammals, birds and pollinators) by establishing wild gardens, providing a water source and supporting local wildlife-conservation businesses and organisations.

Yolande described how as Hettie the Hedgehog she goes into schools and, by story telling, engages children in hedgehogs and nature in general. In addition, with the help of local artists, the children also create models of hedgehogs and things associated with hedgehogs which are then exhibited.

She explained that working in partnership with Wildplay the rewilding project involves around 2,000 children a year in the natural world. The project contains a Bronze, Silver and Gold awards programme based around saving our wildlife, making a change and introducing that into the community.

Ross Rotary Club was delighted to donate £100 to the Hedgehog Festival to support the work they do with local children to preserve local wildlife.

Ross Rotary meets every Monday evening 6.30pm for 7pm at the Chase Hotel. Guests and potential members are very welcome. Please visit the website at rossrotary.com.