In July 2019 the University launched its participation in the Hedgehog Friendly Campus project, created at the University of Sheffield, to use the unique spaces that university campuses are, to raise awareness of the plight of UK hedgehogs and take action to safeguard their future.

Since then, the University Hedgehog steering group made up of student and staff hedgehog champions has been working to ensure that the campus becomes a haven for hedgehogs. Activities include hedgehog surveys, litter picking, training workshops and adjusting campus management techniques to ensure they are sensitive to hedgehog ecology.

All these activities have led to a Silver award for the University’s actions and the steering group is now planning its next steps to go for Gold!

The hedgehog is in trouble, with populations plummeting 50% since 2000. Increasing habitat loss means hedgehogs are moving out of their rural homes and into built areas. But here they face a whole host of challenges, including road traffic, litter, poisoning and lack of access to food and water.

The Sustainability Team would like to thank all the students and staff who have taken part in this project and thank the Landscape and Grounds Team for all of their support.

If you would like to know more about the project or want to join the hedgehog steering group, you can find out more on the Sustainability website.