Hedgehog Friendly CampusLink opens in a new window

Did you know that hedgehogs have declined by up to 50% in the UK since the year 2000? They are now vulnerable to extinction in Britain, due to things like habitat loss, development, roads and garden hazards.

We are delighted to be playing a part on their path to recovery by joining the Hedgehog Friendly CampusLink opens in a new window initiative. The initiative recognises universities who are working to provide habitats for hedgehogs and raise awareness of the issues they face and how we can all make a difference.

The University is committed to protecting, creating and enhancing habitats and species on campus and beyond. Read more about our biodiversityLink opens in a new window work.

Interested in how littering affects hedgehogs? Find out more hereLink opens in a new window.

We came 2nd in the Big Hog-Friendly Litter Pick ChallengeLink opens in a new window in 2023 and we are participating in this nationwide initiative once again this year. Sign up to our monthly litter picks hereLink opens in a new window.

Species recording

The University is committed to conserving and improving habitats and species across its estate.

To help enhance our knowledge of species present on campus, we regularly organise surveys and Biodiversity WalksLink opens in a new window, and staff, students and the community are also encouraged to record wildlife on campus using the iNaturalist appLink opens in a new window, which identifies the species for you. We are then able to obtain the data for our records and monitor change. Get started with this user guideLink opens in a new window. You can join our University of Warwick iNaturalist project hereLink opens in a new window.

Further guidance on species identification are available from the following websites:

• https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/identify-a-bird/Link opens in a new window
• https://butterfly-conservation.org/butterflies/identify-a-butterflyLink opens in a new window
• https://www.warwickshire-butterflies.org.uk/butterflies.phpLink opens in a new window.

If the animal is quick and is gone before you have time to record it with the iNaturalist app, please email us at sustainability@warwick.ac.uk so that we can record the sighting on our tracker. Please send us the species and the what3wordsLink opens in a new window location.

Explore the campus

There are a number of short walks and green spaces on campus, which are available for all to enjoy. The walks take you through some of the natural areas of campus, which can help with wellbeing.

“Going on a walk can revive us… Spending time in nature can give us a sense of peace… Walking keeps our bodies and minds healthy, giving us a breather from the stresses of daily life and the space to gather our thoughts. Exploring open countryside also brings us closer to nature, giving us time to notice how the raindrops cling to a spider's web or listen to the wind in the trees.” National TrustLink opens in a new window

View and download walking mapsLink opens in a new window ranging from 1.4km to 5km.

You can also visit the Jam Grove - an accessible garden of fruit trees in Westwood, open to anyone to relax within, to help out with maintaining the space, and to help yourself to fruit!