University of Southampton gets award for making campus hedgehog-friendly
Sightings of the creatures have gone up 'significantly' in recent months
The University of Southampton has been recognised for its efforts in making its campus hedgehog-friendly - with a national award.
They've received the Russell Group's Gold Accreditation for helping to preserve and protect the vulnerable species.
The award, organised and run by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, saw the University address a list of challenges that it needed to complete in order to educate the community and support wildlife on campus and wider area.
The university has taken a number of steps, such as creating hedgehog-friendly habitats such as log piles, implementing hedgehog-friendly landscaping and providing free training and annual campus hedgehog surveys.
They've also been holding talks on the nationwide issue of hedgehog decline, hosting regular fundraising initiatives for the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, and promoting of hedgehog-friendly practices among staff and students.
These efforts have resulted in a significant increase in hedgehog sightings on campus and has helped to ensure that this important species continues to thrive.
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."