Southampton Uni wins gold hedgehog preservation award

By Sam Pither

21 February 2023

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Image provided by Lee Peck Media.

A University of Southampton society has been awarded Gold Accreditation for its work to protect and preserve hedgehogs on the campus.

The “Hedgehog Friendly Campus” society earned the accreditation, awarded by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, for addressing a list of challenges in order to educate the community and support wildlife on campus and the wider area, having previously been awarded Bronze and Silver status.

The work carried out by the society included the creation of a number of hedgehog-friendly habitats, completing annual campus hedgehog surveys with free training and resources provided by the University, liaising with the grounds team in order to implement hedgehog-friendly landscaping, holding talks on the nationwide issue of hedgehog decline, hosting regular fundraising initiatives for the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, and the promotion of hedgehog-friendly practices among staff and students.

The society set up crossings for the hedgehogs. Image provided by Lee Peck Media.

The success of their efforts is evidenced by an increase in hedgehog sightings on campus.

Read more - Southampton wins Purple Flag status

Holly McIndoe, President of the Southampton Hedgehog Friendly Campus Society, said: "Here at the Hedgehog Friendly Campus Society, we have been working persistently alongside the university, grounds team and Southampton City Council to make our campus safer for hedgehogs.

“Since being awarded silver accreditation only last year, we have since installed a hedgehog crossing sign on University road and are currently liaising with the council to install two government official signs here soon.

“We have also created a lasting legacy for hedgehogs in Valley Gardens, where you will now find a dedicated hedgehog corner, complete with log piles and hedgehog house which we hope to build up on over the years to come.

“As well as continuing our surveys and raising awareness, we also managed to fundraise £110 over the last 12 months for the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. All these positive actions are helping to safeguard our threatened hedgehogs for the future."

By Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.