Launching the Harper Adams Hedgehog Friendly Campus Scheme

Harper Adams is launching a Hedgehog Friendly Campus scheme and is looking for staff and students alike to join and help preserve and protect the animal. 

Hedgehog populations have declined around 50 percent in rural areas and 30 percent in urban areas since 2000. Now vulnerable to extinction, taking action to help has never been more important. 

The project will be student led, supported by Jane Thomas, Associate Head of the Veterinary Health and Animal Sciences department, and Adam van Winsum, Environment and Sustainability Manager. The aim is to help preserve natural habitats, primarily connected green spaces, for hedgehogs around campus and help to educate others on their importance to the environment. 

Students that join the scheme will undertake several initiatives as a group that will help the University work towards the Bronze accreditation by January 2021. Some of the activities include building hedgehog houses; taking surveys; writing blogs and social media posts; as well as fundraising and learning about policies and procedures. 

Lauren James, second year BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology student, has launched the Harper hedgehog scheme via social media. As the owner of @hedgehogs_atharperadams on Instagram, she said: “I wanted to start this campaign at Harper to help aid our local hedgehogs as a passionate wildlife and animal lover. 

“All it takes is some very small steps and actions that could save the lives of many hedgehogs to help them not only in your area but across the UK, as other universities are doing the same to help the population. 

“Even something as simple as removing litter and rubbish from around campus will make a huge difference to our hedgehogs and in turn help other wildlife species. It’s also a chance to take on something new through the campaign and add to your CV skills.” 

If you are interested in joining the Harper Adams Hedgehog Friendly Campus scheme, please get in touch at sustainability@harper-adams.ac.uk.