An initiative to protect hedgehogs has been launched at the Easter Bush Campus. Image A team of around 20 volunteers installed small tunnels on campus to gauge hedgehog presence by tracking footprints. Easter Bush Campus - home to the Roslin Institute and 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 of Edinburgh 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 on 12th October. Organisers say the project will help make Easter Bush suitable and safe 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 Meer, Department for Social Responsibiity and Sustainability The national campaign is funded by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. ** The Roslin Institute receives strategic investment funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and it is part of the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. ** Related links Dr Rob Ogden on Conservation Genetics New partnership to use forensic science to tackle wildlife crime
