We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a prestigious Gold Award from the Hedgehog Preservation Society 2022/23, as a Hedgehog Friendly Campus.
Hedgehog Friendly Campus is a national award scheme designed to protect hedgehogs, enhance their habitat and raise awareness of how to keep these animals safe. It is funded by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and encourages students and staff members to work towards making impactful changes for hedgehogs and other wildlife around their university, college, or school.
Hedgehog Friendly projects
Our students and staff won the award for their work across a range of projects promoting hedgehog friendly volunteering and actions across the campus. This involved giving talks on our hedgehog conservation schemes and activities at the Northumbria University Natural History society and the placement of Hedgehog crossing signs at key points. Student volunteers have also worked with members of the local community to conduct hedgehog surveys and even hosted a hedgehog house opening event.
Look out for Hedgehog Awareness Week 2023 is due to take place in May and help out team work towards the Platinum Award for 2023.
Tough competition
92 institutions from across the UK applied for awards which range from bronze to silver and Gold. The judges were particularly impressed by our application and the fact that many actions were led by student team members. They also commended the outreach event with a local volunteering team, which have created new links with the local community.
Jane Robson, Director of Estates and Operations explained; “The achievement of the Gold Award has been a real joint effort, involving members of the Durham Hedgehog Working Group, students, colleagues from the Botanic Garden, Grounds & Gardens and Energy & Sustainability Teams contributing to the submission. The Energy & Sustainability Team have since taken possession of Chair of the Working Group and they will be working hard, aiming for “Platinum” accreditation next year.”
Biodiversity Strategy
This award reflects our commitment to maintaining and enhancing the natural environment as set out in the recently launched Biodiversity Strategy. We are firmly committed to improving natural habitats for not only hedgehogs, but a variety of wildlife and plants.
Find out more:
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