There's a new neighbour at Whittlebury Park... Meet Harold the hedgehog

Whittlebury Park in Northamptonshire is excited to welcome a new VIP guest to their estate, their new mascot and ambassador, the furry, friendly and fun Harold the Hedgehog.

After leaving the comfort of his cosy garden nest, Harold the Hedgehog has packed up his favourite tweed cap, grabbed his golf club and, alongside his trusty robin companion, moved into his new home beneath a grand old oak tree at Whittlebury Park.

Fortunately for visiting families, Harold isn't shy. In fact, he's always ready to make new friends, especially if they happen to be carrying a slice of lemon meringue tart!

The charming hedgehog, dreamed up by Laura Perez-Lopez, the winner of Whittlebury Park's children's mascot competition, is ready to spend his days guiding little explorers through the woodland, sharing magical stories and creating unforgettable memories for guests of all ages.

The competition invited children to let their imaginations run wild by creating a woodland character they felt belonged at Whittlebury Park. Young entrants chose the woodland creature, gave it a name and even sketched what it might look like, with one imaginative young winner bringing Harold to life.

Now beautifully illustrated in a timeless hand drawn storybook style, Harold will soon be popping up across woodland trails, seasonal celebrations, children's activities and storytelling experiences, inspiring families to explore the resort's woodland and discover the magic hidden amongst the trees.

Living beneath the roots of an old oak tree, Harold is rarely seen without his signature tweed cap and trusty robin companion. Whether he's exploring the woodland, practising his golf swing or hoping someone has packed a slice of lemon meringue tart, he's never far from his next adventure.

Marc Webster, Commercial Director at Whittlebury Park, said: "When we launched the competition, we knew our young guests would come up with some wonderfully imaginative ideas, but Harold really captured everything we hoped for. Seeing one child's creativity transformed into a character that families will meet for years to come has been incredibly special. We can't wait to see Harold become part of the memories our younger guests make as they explore Whittlebury Park together."

Designed to spark children's imaginations and encourage a stronger connection with nature, Harold will soon become a familiar face across the resort, appearing on woodland trails, at seasonal events and throughout family activities. As Whittlebury Park's newest woodland resident, his story is only just beginning, with plenty more adventures waiting around every corner.

So, if you hear a rustle in the leaves, catch sight of a tiny tweed cap between the trees or spot a little hedgehog practising his putting...

Don't worry.

That's just Harold, making himself at home.