Nature And Landscape

Hedgehogs in Focus: tracking trends for community conservation

Hedgehogs have declined dramatically in recent decades despite being one of Britain’s best-loved mammals. To reverse this trend, we need thousands of volunteers to help us understand hedgehog numbers, including how and where they are changing over time to pinpoint where hedgehogs need our help. No national survey exists to supply this information, and Hedgehogs in Focus will fill this gap. The project’s legacy will be: - A proven citizen science framework enhanced by cutting-edge AI, delivering a sustainable, nationwide camera-trap survey for hedgehogs and other mammals. - A growing movement of communities engaged with nature across the country, including those discovering local wildlife for the first time. - A clear understanding of the state of England’s hedgehogs, their population sizes, strongholds and weak spots. This will enable targeted, verifiable conservation actions delivered through our National Hedgehog Conservation Strategy, ultimately resulting in stronger, recovering hedgehog populations in healthier habitats.