We are proud to announce that this year the University of York has earned Gold Award accreditation for it's work towards the conservation of Hedgehogs on campus. A huge thankyou to everyone involved.

Hedgehog Friendly Campus is a national accreditation programme funded by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS). Universities, FE colleges and primary schools across the UK are urged to take part, completing activities that help to bring hedgehogs back from the brink. 

Programme manager, Jo Wilkinson, says “Hedgehogs have declined by up to 50% in the UK since just the year 2000. They are now vulnerable to extinction in Britain, due to things like habitat loss, development, roads and garden hazards. Campuses, whether they’re urban or rural, can do great things to help hedgehogs and raise awareness of their plight.”

Since 2019, the programme has worked with over 150 universities, FE colleges and primary schools all working towards Bronze, Silver or Gold accreditation. Teams have been installing log piles and hedgehog houses, as well as litter picking and taking part in campus hedgehog surveys. 

Other activities include:

• Bug house building

• Pond ramps

• Hedgehog highways

• Teaching local youth groups about hedgehog decline

• Fundraising events for the BHPS

• Hedgehog first aid sessions

If you would like to take part at your campus, email info@hedgehogfriendlycampus.co.uk and follow the programme on social media @hogfriendly.

Some facts about hedgehogs:

• Since 2020, hedgehogs are listed as Vulnerable to Extinction on Britain’s Red List 

• They have declined by 50% in rural areas & 30% in urban areas since the year 2000

• Wild hedgehogs are one of 17 different species of hedgehog around the world

• The African Pygmy hedgehog (pet hedgehog) is an entirely different species 

• Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and shouldn’t eat bread – meaty pet food and fresh water is best if you want to feed wild hedgehogs

• Baby hedgehogs are called hoglets

• Strimmers and mowers can harm hedgehogs

• Hedgehogs hibernate in winter, from around November to March/April

• Contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society if you are worried about a hedgehog on 01584 890801