Easter Bush Campus to be Haven For Hedgehogs

An initiative to protect hedgehogs has been launched at the Easter Bush Campus.

Campus to create wildlife haven for hedgehogs

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is taking part in a national campaign to raise awareness of the mammals’ plight and help safeguard their future. 

Hedgehog numbers

The number of hedgehogs in the UK has fallen by up to a half since 2000. It is estimated there are fewer than one million left. 

Increasing habitat loss in rural areas means hedgehogs are moving into more built-up areas.

Urban areas present the creatures with a host of challenges including road traffic, litter, poisoning and lack of access to food and water.

Partnership project

The University is working with partner organisations to educate staff, students and the neighbouring community about hedgehog friendly behaviour.

A hedgehog survey is being carried out to assess how many hedgehogs are in the area around the campus.

A team of around 20 volunteers installed ten small tunnels at different locations on campus. They will gauge hedgehog presence by tracking footprints.

Landscape experts are also creating habitats where the mammals can feed, shelter and breed.

The group hopes to develop student projects and share information with the wider community at the Easter Bush open day later this year.

Organisers say the project will help make Easter Bush safer for hedgehogs.

 

We launched the campaign as university campuses are often surrounded by land that can help hedgehogs thrive.

Jo Wilkinson Project Leader of the Hedgehog Friendly Campus

This is an exciting and valuable project where Easter Bush is working towards Hedgehog Friendly Campus accreditation. This is a project where staff, students and the community can all play a part in protecting their local wildlife.

Elizabeth Vander MeerDepartment for Social Responsibiity and Sustainability

The national campaign is funded by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

 

About the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than eight hundred staff and almost fourteen hundred students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos.

The School comprises:

We represent the largest concentration of animal science related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Publication date