Hedgehogs remain one of the UK’s favourite mammals and they need our help. There have been steep declines in the number of hedgehogs in rural areas, and whilst this trend has also been evident in urban areas there are positive signs that hedgehog populations in these environments are stabilising. This makes the actions of people, home owners, community groups and societies even more vital to ensure that this trend continues and to see the populations grow once more.
What are we doing here at the University of Reading
The University of Reading hedgehog society has existed for a number of years but it has flourished over the last year under the leadership of two committed zoology undergraduates Raman Nijjar and Nilo Mason. They were inspired to act after a lecture by Dr Phil Baker who highlighted the plight of our spiky friends. The society is supported by a dedicated small group of staff who are have been assisting the society to further their plans and developing relationships with key departments such as Grounds Maintenance.
The society has grown in strength and had a very successful year delivering a range of different events and projects. Last Spring the society undertook hedgehog population surveys using footprint tunnels to help understand where populations are located on Whiteknights. In August 2023 we worked in collaboration with the Grounds Maintenance team and Reading Students Union to survey the hay meadows behind the Union for hedgehog day nests before it was mown. The society has also: undertaken a full hazard audit of Whiteknights looking for potential areas for improvement to remove obvious wildlife hazards, lots of craft and activity sessions, various litter picks to help clean up areas, hosted a climate café and wildlife walks in collaboration with other local environmental groups.
How you can get involved
We’re looking for interested students to fill some of the committee roles, so if any members of staff know anyone suitable please email uorhedgehogsociety@reading.ac.uk
We will also be looking for staff to support the society in Semester 1 – look out for more details nearer the time.
Further information about the society can be found by following the society on Instagram.
