The hedgehog, the Wildlife of the Year 2024, has been on the Red List of endangered species since October 28, 2024. This fascinating animal has an excellent sense of smell and sensitive ears that can even perceive ultrasound. As an adaptable animal, it relies on "hedgehog-friendly" gardens and habitats.

A team from the Audi Training Center initiated a MachMIT! project to protect hedgehogs under the motto "Upcycling for the Hedgehog," building hedgehog houses from old disposable pallets. These houses provide the endangered animals with a safe shelter for their winter sleep. The prototype houses were handed over to dedicated environmental and hedgehog protectors for placement in their own gardens through our cooperation partner LBV during an information event.

With this MachMIT! project, we have created a versatile win-win situation. Wood from disposable pallets is sensibly reused, avoiding waste and conserving raw materials. No new resources such as new wood, WPC panels, plastic, or clay are used for the industrial production of commercial hedgehog houses. Workshops address the topic of hedgehog protection, enabling a playful look "beyond the horizon." Team members come together outside of their usual work routines and have the opportunity to get to know different sides of themselves and their colleagues. Through the free distribution of hedgehog houses via the non-profit partner LBV, the public is also made aware of the hedgehog's threat situation. At the same time, action options such as hedgehog houses and hedgehog-friendly gardens are presented and communicated.

And how can you support the hedgehog? In autumn, create piles of leaves and twigs in a quiet corner of the garden. The hedgehog feels particularly comfortable if you let part of the garden grow wild and place a shallow water dish. In general, you should avoid using pesticides, as they can poison the hedgehog's food. Small passages in fences allow the hedgehog to roam through its territory of up to 100 hectares. In autumn, it also appreciates special hedgehog or cat food (without fish). These are simple measures that help the hedgehog feel comfortable in our gardens and get through the winter well.

Let's make a joint contribution to hedgehog protection!