Helping hedgehogs in Winchester

18 sacks of rubbish were collected by litter pickers

Author: Jo RawlingsPublished 7th Dec 2023

Litter pickers have been out in Winchester as part of efforts to protect hedgehogs.

Staff and students from the university have collected 18 sacks of rubbish weighing 30 kilograms.

There's concern hedgehogs can get stuck in things like tins and plastic bags.

In a statement, the University of Winchester said: "Staff and Student volunteers from the University of Winchester have joined the Energy and Environment team and taken part in the Big Hog-Friendly Litter Pick Challenge.

"These litter picks are aimed at helping the city’s hedgehog population by cleaning up their neighbourhood and avoiding wildlife getting trapped in litter, leading to injury or even death.

Hog Litter Pick volunteers at the University of Winchester

"Around 20 took part in the two litter picks in November bagging up 18 sacks or rubbish weighing more than 30kg in total.

"The Big Hog Friendly Litter Pick Challenge is run by Hedgehog Friendly Campus and supported by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS).

"UK hedgehog numbers are in decline and litter poses a real hazard to the prickly creatures - they can get their heads stuck in tins, plastic bags, binders from drinks cans or discarded yoghurt pots.

"As the University gardeners do such a good job in keeping the campus litter-free, the volunteers ventured out into the nearby area and collected refuse in West Hill Cemetery, Clifton Terrace, Arbor Park, Erskin Road, Romsey Road, Nursery Gardens, Milnthorpe Lane, Nursery Gardens and St James Cemetery.

"Winchester holds Hedgehog Friendly Campus Gold Status by the BHPS.

"In recent years students and staff have created hedgehog-friendly habitats, set up feeding stations and helped to survey hedgehog activity on campus.

In co-operation with the neighbouring Royal Hampshire County Hospital, the University also installed the city’s first road signs requesting drivers to slow down and beware hedgehogs crossing."

You can hear all the latest news on the hour, every hour.