Somerset residents have been challenged to 'walk like a hedgehog' to help save the endangered critters from extinction.

The fund-raising campaign has been launched by the Somerset Wildlife Trust, which is hoping to make the county a safe space for the dwindling hedgehog population.

Numbering 30 million in the 1950s, the hedgehog population has shrunk to just under one million today. This has led to the animals being placed on the IUCN Red List of mammals vulnerable to extinction.

To combat the decline the 'Walk like a Hedgehog' initiative is running from Monday, October 23, to Sunday, October 29, where those who sign up will be asked to walk three kilometres a day over the week, and nominate friends and family to do the same.

Rebecca Walford, head of fund-raising at the trust, said: “This is a great opportunity to get out and about this autumn half term.

"We know that being out in nature is hugely beneficial for children and adults alike, so why not get your wellies on and challenge yourself to do something brilliant for at-risk species and wild places across Somerset.”

To learn more about the scheme, visit the Somerset Wildlife Trust website.