Hedgehogs are essential for our gardens because they eat all the hungry invertebrates that typically chew away on our plants, such as slugs, beetles, and caterpillars. However, these garden heroes are at risk, particularly in urban areas where there are dangerous roads, pesticides, and a loss of habitat. Thankfully, London-based ‘Camden Town Brewery,’ is taking action to help these cute creatures find shelter in the winter by building miniature pubs for hedgehogs to hibernate in.
In 2010, the Camden Town Brewery was founded by Jasper Cuppaidge, who’s family ran brewery in Australia from 1910-1960. Cuppaidge believes that we all have to be more aware of what we can do to help the wildlife, as the changes in our environment are having increasingly negative impacts on it.
The Hibernation Arms huts are a safe and cozy shelter for hedgehogs. Along with saving your spiky garden friends and adding something unique to your garden, you also get a 4-pack of Hells in Hibernation Lager when you buy a hut. The huts cost £50 (about $65), all profits will go to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS). Additionally, if an individual wants to donate but doesn’t want a hut, they can still pick up the lager, and their offering will be made to BHPS.
“Hells in Hibernation gives our classic Hells Lager recipe a fresh new taste for winter. It’s unfiltered and brewed with hops that are high in alpha acids. So, they bring out that piney resin and citrus bitterness that you might find when taking a breath of fresh air on a winter walk in the woods,” described the founder of Camden Town Brewery.
Fay Vass, Chief Executive of The BHPS, explained:
We are very grateful that Camden Town Brewery is showing support for hedgehogs with its fantastic Hells in Hibernation Lager. Hedgehog populations have declined by half in rural areas and by a third in urban ones in the last 20 years, so they need all the help they can get. The funds and awareness that this collaboration raises will help us, help hedgehogs.
The Hells in Hibernation Lager is the newest addition to the Seasonal Hells range. It’s a fresh and crisp beer that’s brewed with Apollo hops and Chinook. You can get a four-pack of 330ml cans from Sainsbury’s and single 330ml cans from Marks and Spencer’s, with a recommended retail price of £2 per can.
Cuppaidge said:
Our partnership with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society has taught us how we can all do our bit – whether it’s educating us on what to do when we find a hedgehog in need or creating a safe space, like The Hibernation Arms, in your garden at home.
What do you think about these miniature pubs? Would you have one in your garden? Bet some Hedgehogs would love to hibernate there.
