Course: BSc Environmental Science
(Environmental Engagement)
Completed: May 2020
Number of students: 5
Brief: Northumbria University is a certified Hedgehog Friendly campus and wishes to explore ways to further improve support of hedgehogs on our campus. We wish to understand which areas of campus might be best suited to hedgehogs, what routes across campus might be fundamental to them, and guidance on changes we can make on campus to better support hedgehog populations.
Recommendations:
Mapping software and a ground truthing exercise identified key areas on which to focus hedgehog initiatives. Costing and suggestions were included such as:
- Litter picks
- Use of social media
- Hedgehog Crossing Signs
- Fundraising events
- Habitat creation
The project was shared with the Biodiversity Working group. This will be embedded within future updates to the Biodiversity Action Plan and some improvements are already in hand e.g. habitat creations, social media etc.
The Report earned a number of points for Northumbria through the Hedgehog Friendly Campus scheme resulting in the University achieving the Silver award.
The Report has also been shared with The British Hedgehog Preservation Society as an example of best practice.
