Sustainability

Hedgehog Friendly Campus

 

Hedgehogs in peril

The UK’s favourite spiny mammals are in trouble. Since the beginning of the 21st century, hedgehogs numbers have declined between 30-75%. They face a whole host of challenges, including road traffic, litter, poisoning and habitat loss.

As of 2020 there is estimated to be just a million hedgehogs left, representing a 97% fall from the 30 million who once roamed the UK in the 1950s. They are one of the species now listed as vulnerable to extinction on Britain’s Red List. City dwelling hedgehog numbers appear to be recovering after a long period of decline but there is more work to be done.

It is clear they are in need of our help. If we don’t do something soon, this iconic mammal is likely to be a thing of the past in the UK.

Hedgehog Friendly Campus

The Hedgehog Friendly Campus accreditation scheme encourages, supports and celebrates educational institutions in supporting hedgehogs and other wildlife on their campuses. The project is funded by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and SOS-UK and runs nationally.

The UoN Hedgehog Friendly Campus Group

The University of Nottingham’s Hedgehog Friendly Campus Group was set up in 2019 and has staff and student members. They aim to raise awareness of the plight of hedgehog while taking practical steps to improve habitats and circumstances for hedgehogs across university campuses.

So far the group has achieved Silver status and is now working towards Gold. They also organise events and activities to raise awareness about hedgehogs, from litter picks to hedgehog surveys to charity bake sales. 

If you would like to find out more about the group and what they are up to then contact hannah.constantin@nottingham.ac.uk.

Opportunities for students

Students can volunteer for various roles by completing this form.

SOS-UK are also looking for students to conduct the 2024 audits for their Hedgehog Friendly Campus programme. This will include a morning of free training, followed by an afternoon of you conducting online audits for Hedgehog Friendly Campus teams from various educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities. Learn new skills and make a positive impact! Apply via this short form.

 

Watch this video by Hannah from the Hedgehog Friendly Campus Group to find out more about about hedgehogs, the threats they face and how we can all help them to thrive. 

 

Hedgehog Awareness Week

During May, Hedgehog Awareness Week highlights the problems hedgehogs face and how you can help them.

From 5-11 May 2024, ‘Welcome Wildlife!’ by creating a space for wildlife in your own gardens or green spaces and encouraging others to do the same.

6pm, Thursday 9 May 2024: Learn how to track hedgehog activity on campus, at home, or in your local community with a footprint tunnel workshop from the Hedgehog Friendly Campus GroupMeet at the Djalongly Terrace (top of the steps outside the Portland building), UP.

 

Sustainability Team

Estate Office, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD

Email: sustainability@nottingham.ac.uk