WILDLIFE lovers are being invited to sign up for the RSPCA’s autumn active fundraising event ‘Walk on the Wild Side’. 

The event invites participants across England and Wales to complete a walking challenge throughout October.

The fundraising challenge comes at a critical time for the charity as it reveals that last October (2024) was its busiest month for hedgehogs in the last 5 years, and also marks the beginning of ‘seal pup season’ - when the RSPCA’s wildlife hospitals also typically see a spike in grey seals admitted as orphans, or struggling to feed and are weak and underweight.

The 'Walk on the Wild Side' challenge offers 2 distance tiers to be completed over the month:- 60 miles (96.6km) or an 'Ultra Wild Challenge' of 120 miles (193.1km). Participants have the flexibility to choose their own location for the challenge, and a fundraising target of £100 is suggested per participant.

Olivia Williams, Mass Participation Manager at the RSPCA said:- “Every hour, a wild animal needs our care, and we know that so many animal lovers want to help. That’s why we’re thrilled to be launching Walk on the Wild Side as a way for people to really make a difference and support our vital work.”

Already this autumn, the RSPCA’s specialist teams have been called to care for hedgehogs. 2 tiny hoglets (one pictured top) were taken in by the team at RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Somerset last week, after being found orphaned. They are now receiving round-the-clock care including being hand-fed.

Those who sign up to take part will receive a welcome pack upon registration, which includes an RSPCA t-shirt, a miles tracker, and a wildlife spotting sheet. Early registrants will also receive a limited edition dog bandana. Additionally, participants who successfully raise £100 by October 31st will be awarded an exclusive 'Walk on the Wild Side' medal.

Signing up to take part in the event couldn’t be easier:-

1. Registration:- Complete the online form to receive the challenge welcome pack.
2. Community Engagement:- Join a dedicated Facebook group for fundraising advice and peer support.
3. Preparation:- Participants are encouraged to undertake preparatory walks prior to October.
4. Challenge Completion:- Walk the chosen distance during October while utilizing the provided spotter cards.
5. Progress Updates:- Share challenge progress within the Facebook group.
6. Medal Qualification:- Achieve the £100 fundraising target by the challenge end date to receive the commemorative medal.

Olivia added:- “We’re excited to see people sign up for the challenge through this month, ready to begin on 1 October, and we can’t thank people enough for joining us in this fantastic event. Every penny raised will directly contribute to the RSPCA's mission of caring for wildlife across England and Wales, and make a huge difference to animals.”

More information on fundraising for the RSPCA is available on the charity’s website.