Hedgehog numbers in rural areas have been dropping for many years and, according to the State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2022 report, have declined by 30-75% since 2000, depending on the area of the UK. Some of the challenges they face include: 

• Road casualties due to high volumes of traffic 

• Habitat loss and fragmentation  

• Increased use of pesticides in gardening  

What action is the University taking? 

Biodiversity is one of the Sustainability Teams areas of work and the University is committed to preserving and enhancing biodiversity on campus. You can find more of our environmental commitments listed in the Environmental Sustainability Policy.  

Some of the work we conduct to create a safer environment for hedgehogs on campus include: 

• We conduct monitoring surveys annually (using footprint tracking tunnels) to update records about where hedgehogs are present on campus and log the findings on the Big Hedgehog Map 

• We work with the Grounds Team to ensure: 

• Leaf piles will be left where safe to do so and they will be checked for mammals if they need to be swept 

• Create small natural habitats for mammals and insects where possible 

• Grass cutting regimes are minimised and when necessary, cuts are scheduled so sword length varies  

• Netting (garden and sport) is secured to prevent animals from getting stuck when it is not in use 

• We annually partake in hedgehog awareness week to educate colleagues and students about the dangers hedgehogs face and raise money for the British Hedgehog Preservation Society via a bake sale 

How you can help?

• Register as a hedgehog champion 

• Make ponds safe with a wildlife escape route 

• Build a hedgehog house! 

• Report if you find a hedgehog in distress and conduct first aid if possible https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/found-a-hedgehog/  

• Create a hedgehog highway in your garden. Hedgehogs are struggling in Britain because our gardens are becoming more secure with fences, reducing the amount of land available to them 

• Put out hedgehog friendly food and water. Hedgehog Street recommend any combination of meat-based wet dog or cat foods, or dry cat/kitten food (not ones that contain milk) 

• Check your bonfires for hedgehogs before lighting them and check before strimming 

• Create leaf and log piles, wildflower patches, or overgrown ‘wild’ corners  

• Talk to your neighbours and encourage them to take action too 

Thank you for reading this blog, and let us know in the comments what hedgehog friendly action you are taking this summer!