The University of Greenwich participated in the Litter Pick Challenge for Hedgehog Friendly Campus again this year over months from late September to late November.
Sophie Elliot, Student Sustainability Project Assistant at the University of Greenwich said:
“Cleaning up the environment, especially the natural spaces, is important to ensure wildlife has a safe place to live, eat and sleep. The presence of hedgehogs on a campus indicates a healthy eco-system, which is why the university works towards being Hedgehog Accredited.
“The university has not seen a sighting of Hedgehogs on campus since 2006… until now.
“We collected 70 bags of rubbish and had 42 volunteers help to make their change and clean up the local environment. The hard work has paid off, we have recently had reports of hedgehogs on campus and the team is getting evidence to share with everyone.
“A massive well done and thank you to all the volunteers who helped litter pick, especially the support from local volunteers. Make sure to look out for 2022’s litter picking competition to help encourage more hedgehogs back on our campuses.”
David Jackson, Sustainability Projects Officer at the University of Greenwich, said:
“We’re immensely proud of being part of the National Hedgehog Friendly Campus Initiative. Hedgehogs are a biological indicator species meaning if we have hedgehogs on site, the surrounding ecosystems are functioning well and is an indication that our wider plans to improving the natural landscape are working.
“Since the litter pick challenge, we’ve have had reports of the first hedgehog sighting in years at Avery Hill – now I’m just waiting for the photograph and video to prove it!
“We aren’t just helping these mammals by conducting litter picks but are helping the maintain a safe haven for all life. Work like this ties into and is an active part of achieving our sustainability goals as part of the university’s 2030 strategy.”
Hedgehog Friendly Campus is a BHPS-funded (British Hedgehog Protection Society) national biodiversity programme for universities. The project offers free support to staff and students to make impactful changes for hedgehogs.
Participating universities progress through Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, with a choice of actions including completing hedgehog surveys, improving green spaces and communicating the issues.
