Once again the Hedgehog Festival is coming to Ross, the Festival aims to:

1. educate children and adults of all ages about the hedgehog, which is the symbol of Ross-on-Wye

2. raise the profile of Ross-on-Wye as the Gateway to the ancient kingdom of Ergyng (AngloSaxon: Archenfield: Land of Hedgehogs)

3. raise funds to deliver activities that encourage children and adults of all ages to learn about hedgehogs and how they can preserve hedgehog habitats.

This year, the Hedgehog Festival is focusing its creative arts activities in local schools, and educating children about their ancient links to Archenfield: Land of the Hedgehogs using various creative media. However - members of the public can come and join us on ....

Saturday 2nd May:Brenda May Williams is reading her story 'Holly Prickles' with an arts and crafts activity from 11am - 1pm at Ross Library. Suitable for under 7 yos. Entry: Children free . Adult £5. All proceeds are funding Hedgehog Festival activities in local schools.

Saturday 2nd - 10th May: 'Hedgehogs and Habitats' exhibition by local artists within the South Herefordshire Botanical Arts Society in the St. Mary's church.

Sunday 3rd May: Ross May Fayre .. we'll be down at the Blake Memorial Gardens selling hedgehog memorabilia and hedgehog-friendly plants. If fine - there will be story time too! And, you just might meet an adult sized hedgehog wandering the streets!

Tuesday 5th May: Come and join in a range of hedgehog activities at the Ryefield Children's Centre and bring something to share for a picnic in the hedgehog-friendly garden. Suitable for families with under 5yos. Entry: £1.50.

Tuesday 5th - Saturday 16th May: 'Hedgehogs and Habitats' exhibition by local artists within the South Herefordshire Botanical Arts Society in the Ross Library: Dennis Potter Room.

Saturday 9th May: Sarah Dean, local artist and illustrator,is engaging children in an arts and crafts activity whilst local 'Hedgehog Lady' Yolande Watson is reading hedgehog stories from 11am - 1pm at Ross Library. Suitable for under 7 yos. Entry: child £1. Adults free. All proceeds are funding Hedgehog Festival activities in local schools.

Sunday 10th May: Songs of Praise at St. Mary's church from 6.30pm.

During the week, we anticipate some local traders in Ross-on-Wye's town centre will have hedgehog-themed window displays. Local children from two local primary schools are this year's judges!

Don't forget there is the Hedgehog Trail in St Mary's church .. try and find all eleven of the hedgehog icons throughout this lovely church.

Alternatively, if you can't come this week, enter into our poetry competition 'Ode to a Hedgehog'! Entry forms with competition rules are available from Ross Old Books on the High Street in Ross-on-Wye, or downloadable from the Hedgehog Festival facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hedgehog-Festival-in-Ross-on-Wye/1425914331039434">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hedgehog-Festival-in-Ross-on-Wye/1425914331039434. All proceeds are funding Hedgehog Festival activities in local schools.

If you are coming to Ross-on-Wye - check out what's going on: http://www.playross.com">www.playross.com.