Wildlife lovers can support conservation while buying a special gift through a North East charity’s revamped animal adoption scheme.
Northumberland Wildlife Trust has relaunched its Adopt an Animal scheme with two favourites: hedgehogs and owls.
Supporters can choose a digital or physical adoption pack, making the scheme a gift for nature lovers of all ages.
Hollie French, fundraising officer at Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: "Although we have hedgehogs and the full range of local owl species across the wide range of our reserves, it is something we would never take for granted.
A chance to adopt a hedgehog (Image: Tom Marshall)
"Our work is relentless and any help the public gives us is very much appreciated which is why the Adopt an Animal scheme is so important to us.
"Not only will the scheme provide much needed funding, the hedgehog or owl adoption pack will give us the opportunity to tell people more about the animal they are adopting - where to see and hear them, what they eat and what they can do to help conserve them."
Every adoption helps fund the trust’s conservation work, from managing nature reserves and creating habitats to educating the public.
The scheme comes as UK wildlife continues to decline and the trust aims to create 30 per cent more space for nature, helping species recover and adapt to climate change.
Both animals face serious threats.
Tawny owls remain on the Amber List of Birds of Conservation Concern because of habitat loss and a lack of nesting sites.
Hedgehog numbers have also fallen sharply in recent years, hit by fragmented habitats, intensive farming, traffic and other human pressures.
The trust has recorded hedgehogs at most of its nature reserves.
Owl sightings vary by location. Long-eared owls have been spotted at West Chevington and little owls at Druridge Pools.
Read more
Record-breaking year for barn owls as numbers soar across Tees Valley
North East wildlife champion wins international award for stunning hen harrier photos
County Durham hotel staff crochet oysters to support North East conservation project
Tawny owls have been seen at Cresswell, East Chevington, Hauxley, Briarwood Banks and Fencerhill Wood in Newcastle.
Barn owls are found at Cresswell, Benshaw Moor, Big Waters and Northumberlandia. Short-eared owls are present across Druridge Bay in winter.
The adoption packs are available online and at the trust’s visitor centres at Northumberlandia and Hauxley.