Hedgehog study launched to fight falling numbers

A university is rolling out new plans to help provide more safe spaces for hedgehogs across its campuses.

The University of Brighton said it wanted to help protect hedgehogs across its sites to try to combat rapidly falling population numbers across the UK.

Staff and students from the institution began a survey on Monday to track the number of hedgehogs across the university's three campuses ahead of plans to turn green spaces into hedgehog havens.

Izzy White, sustainability projects officer at the university, said the survey would "provide us with a real insight" into local population numbers and shape further conservation work.

Survey works see students placing "tracking tunnels", which use ink pads and paper to log paw prints, across the university's campuses in Falmer, Moulsecoomb and the city centre.

The results will then be used to decide where to target support based on where the hedgehogs are living on the university's grounds.

Ms White added: "It's about making practical changes like creating safe spaces and removing hazards to reduce the impact campus life has on local wildlife.

"We're proud to take an active role in protecting local biodiversity and equipping our students with the tools to make a difference."

Experts from The British Hedgehog Preservation Society said in October that population numbers across the UK had halved over the space of the last decade.

Steps people can take to help hedgehogs in their own back gardens include leaving small holes in the bottom of fences to help them get around and giving them leaves and foliage to hide under.

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