Why are hedgehogs at risk?
Hedgehogs are facing numerous threats that are putting their survival at risk. From habitat loss and busy roads to dwindling food sources and environmental changes, these little creatures have a lot working against them. Their populations are declining rapidly, and urgent action is needed to protect them.
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Universities, colleges, and schools are ideal places to make a real impact. With a strong sense of community and a focus on education, these institutions have the power to raise awareness, inspire action, and drive change. By focusing on hedgehog conservation, we hope to empower the next generation of leaders and advocates to tackle these challenges head-on.
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Through education, awareness, and collective efforts, we can work together to reduce the threats hedgehogs face and create safer environments for them to thrive. Let’s come together to ensure a future for hedgehogs—and help protect the biodiversity of our local ecosystems.​
Dangers of the human world
Hover over the following images to find out why these are dangerous for hedgehogs
ROADS CAUSE FRAGMENTATION IN THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE AND ROADKILL
NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
LEAD TO HABITAT LOSS AND
FRAGMENTATION
GARDEN MACHINERY CAUSES LOSS OF LIMBS OR EVEN DEATH
NOT CHECKING A BONFIRE BEFORE LIGHTING CAN CAUSE A HEDGEHOG
DEATH
NOT PROVIDING AN ESCAPE ROUTE IN PONDS
CAN LEAD TO DROWNING
PLASTIC WASTE ENTANGLEMENT
CAN CAUSE PAINFUL INJURIES AND EVEN DEATH
AGRICULTURAL SIMPLIFICATION OF RURAL LANDSCAPE LEADS TO LOSS
OF HABITAT AND FOOD
HEDGEHOGS CAN BECOME STUCK IN DRAINS & CATTLE GRIDS IF THERE IS NO ESCAPE ROUTE
PESTICIDES AND POISON CAN POTENTIALLY KILL A HEDGEHOG
Hedgehog Friendly Campus started at the University of Sheffield during Hedgehog Awareness Week in 2018. Staff and students came together to learn why hedgehogs are at threat and how they can help. Hedgehog safaris took place to find out if hedgehogs were there and with support from the grounds and gardens staff and student's union, hedgehog-friendly changes were made to the green spaces on campus. I knew it was something special when there was enthusiasm for the project from all areas of the university, including senior managers, local community groups and those who didn't normally engage in sustainability issues. So, The British Hedgehog Preservation Society funded the programme and it was rolled out to all UK campuses! Now, the project is delivered by SOS-UK, a student-led education charity focusing on sustainability!
​Hedgehog Friendly Campus was created in response to the alarming decline in hedgehog numbers. They're a species that are really beloved in the UK, but they're now listed as vulnerable to extinction on Britain's Red List because of things like habitat loss, building developments and garden hazards. These are some big challenges to tackle and they impact on all wildlife in the UK. But universities, colleges and schools have loads of space they could use to support hedgehogs and other wildlife, with some changes being quite simple! The programme provides the roadmap to these changes, through a hedgehog-friendly action list.
The programme supports campuses to protect hedgehogs from hazards, replace and enhance habitats and raise awareness within the community. Dedicated teams of volunteer Hedgehog Ambassadors are out tackling problems on their campus, like cutting out poisons, picking up litter and installing hedgehog highways! We also support campuses with training and equipment to survey for hedgehogs and other wildlife, contributing to species monitoring efforts.
How was Hedgehog Friendly Campus started?
Why was it created?
What does it do to help hedgehogs?
Dangers of the natural world
Hover over the following images to find out why these are potential threats to hedgehogs
LACK OF NATURAL FOOD DUE TO INSECT DECLINE
SMALL
POPULATIONS
MAY BE MORE
VULNERABLE TO ADDITIONAL
PREDATORY THREATS
HEDGEHOGS OFTEN GET PARASITES AND ILLNESSES
The decline in hedgehog populations is a warning sign of the deteriorating health of our environment. For years, hedgehogs have faced a steady decline, and their struggle reflects bigger issues in our ecosystems. As key players in maintaining ecological balance, hedgehogs help control insect populations and keep our gardens thriving. In 2020, they were officially placed on the UK Red List as vulnerable to extinction in Great Britain.
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What’s more, we’re seeing a clear divide between urban and rural populations. In urban areas, hedgehogs have shown signs of recovery, with stable populations thanks to green spaces, gardens, and grounds that provide much-needed shelter and food. This emphasizes just how crucial these areas are for the future of hedgehogs—and how we can all contribute to their survival.
The road to a Hedgehog-Friendly Campus
Registering your school, college or university is essential for you to take part in the programme. Without registering, you can’t access the toolkit or submit for an accreditation. Registering also enables us to send out information to you that you will need to complete your accreditation.
Schools
If you haven't joined the waiting list with us for 2025-26 starting in September, and would like to take part in Hedgehog Friendly Schools, please register interest for your primary school here and register interest here for your secondary school. We will be in touch to let you know if your application if successful!
FE Colleges & Universities​
If you aren't registered with us for 2025-26 and would like to take part in Hedgehog Friendly Campus, please see the packages we have available in our offer document, page 21. When you're ready, register interest for your college or university via our sign-up form. We will be in touch with next steps!
Who can register?
Staff or students can register to the programme. Register a new team, or become a part of an existing team.
What is the commitment?
Volunteering for Hedgehog Friendly Campus only needs 1-2 hours of your time per month! We're looking for team leaders and team members - get in touch for more information!
From Bronze to Gold: Navigating the Hedgehog-Friendly award system
Universities and colleges must start at Bronze and achieve it within the first year before progressing to Silver. In the second year, Silver must be completed and achieved before working towards Gold in the third year. After reaching Gold, institutions have the option to aim for Platinum.
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Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
For schools, the structure is more flexible. Schools can aim for either Silver or Gold in their first year without having to progress through the levels. While schools can choose to work through the levels progressively, starting from Bronze, this is not a requirement.
Sign up for the waiting list today and get notified when registration opens!
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