The University of Salford campus has gone ‘hedgehog friendly’ by introducing measures to protect the spiny mammals, whose numbers have declined by half in the UK since 2020.
Increases in traffic and litter, combined with a lack of food, water and natural habitat, has led to a steep decline in the UK hedgehog population.
But the university says its Estates and Facilities team, along with student volunteers, will work to make campuses litter-free, with joined-up habitat and opportunities for hedgehogs to eat and drink. Visible hedgehog houses will also be dotted around the campus to keep the hogs safe and dry.
Neva Mowl, Environmental Management Coordinator at the University, said: “We are really excited to be taking part in the Hedgehog Friendly Campus programme. We’ve already got our two Hedgehog Champions Chloe and Helen, and lots of staff and students are getting involved but we always welcome more volunteers.
“Although the team can’t currently be on site due to the Covid-19 situation, there are still plenty of actions that we can work on from home to make the University of Salford hedgehog friendly!”
The Hedgehog Friendly Campus scheme is funded by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS). It aims to revive hedgehog populations by raising awareness and improving habitats so university estates become safe havens for the declining species.
The University of Salford is currently working towards Bronze accreditation through the scheme, which was founded at the University of Sheffield in September 2018 and launched as a national campaign in 2019.
Salford already boasts hedgehog hotels, currently in place at Express Asphalt in Weaste, pictured above.
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