Clear Tracks for the Hedgehog - Solothurn Natural History Museum
24.04.2026 | from Naturmuseum Solothurn
Reading time: 2 minutes
Image rights: Naturmuseum Solothurn
Photographer: Christoph Dürrenberger
24.04.2026, The Wild Neighbours Solothurn project is dedicated to promoting diverse and well-connected green spaces in urban areas. This year, a special cohabitant is in focus: the hedgehog. This spiky mammal has been named Animal of the Year by Pro Natura and has been considered 'potentially endangered' in Switzerland since 2022.
Although hedgehogs live right among us, their situation is steadily worsening. On their nocturnal excursions, they cover an average distance of about one kilometre. However, they increasingly encounter obstacles: walls, dense fences, stairs, or lacking green corridors block their paths to food, shelter, and breeding places. Many animals' attempts to reach new habitats end on roads or paths – often with fatal consequences.
Small Openings with Big Impact
The Wild Neighbours Solothurn initiative is calling on local residents to make private gardens and greenery more hedgehog-friendly. 'Even passages measuring 15 by 15 centimetres are enough to allow hedgehogs and other small animals to safely move from garden to garden or into a park,' explains biologist Sandra Gloor. Such openings help avoid dangerous detours and create urgently needed connections within residential areas.
Anyone who sets up a passage can mark it and obtain a free hedgehog plaque from one of the sponsoring organisations behind Wild Neighbours Solothurn. The plaque draws attention to the topic of connectivity – and also prevents the opening from being unknowingly sealed again later.
Info Box:
Wild Neighbours Solothurn
For seven years, the sponsoring organisations Pro Natura So, WWF So, BirdLife So, the natural history museums in Olten and Solothurn, as well as the offices for spatial planning and forestry, hunting, and fishing, have worked to enhance habitats and collect observation data on wildlife and small structures. Thanks to public involvement, several thousand reports have been received, forming an essential foundation for the protection and promotion of endangered species.
Each year, Wild Neighbours Solothurn focuses on a specific theme. Currently, the hedgehog – Animal of the Year 2026 – is in the spotlight. Newly created passages are meant to help it roam the neighbourhood safely.
Wild Neighbours Solothurn
c/o Naturmuseum Solothurn
Klosterplatz 2
4500 Solothurn
032 622 70 21
naturmuseum@solothurn.ch
www.naturmuseum-so.ch
Contact Person:
thomas.briner@solothurn.ch
Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Naturmuseum Solothurn / Photographer: Christoph Dürrenberger
Conclusion of this article: « Clear Tracks for the Hedgehog - Solothurn Natural History Museum »
Naturmuseum Solothurn
The Solothurn Natural History Museum is renowned as an attractive family museum for its comprehensible exhibitions. It showcases exhibits on regional animals, plants, fossils, and minerals.
Since we aim to reach as many people as possible with our nature promotions, we do not charge a fixed entry fee. We view our museum as part of an attractive and open city with high quality of life and a diverse cultural offering. If you wish to support our efforts to promote nature, please feed the hungry begging raven – he will thank you loudly.
The museum is conveniently accessible on foot from the station in just under 10 minutes. There are only a few short-term parking spots with central parking meters at the Klosterplatz in front of the museum. Several parking garages are, however, within easy walking distance. The museum and exhibits are wheelchair accessible. The museum has a lift and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. There is a marked free parking spot for wheelchair users.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: Naturmuseum Solothurn, Press release
Original article published on: Bahn frei für den Igel - Naturmuseum Solothurn