Hedgehogs and Garden Mammals Survey

In Britain, hedgehogs are classified as vulnerable. While many factors may contribute to their decline, exposure to rodenticides remains understudied. As rodenticides are commonly used to control rats and mice in residential gardens, hedgehogs and other non-target species could be exposed to these poisons both directly and indirectly. At one level, these risks are related to the degree to which hedgehogs and rodents co-occur in the same gardens, as gardens with rodent activity are more likely to use rodenticides. This may increase the likelihood of nearby hedgehogs encountering these toxins. In this project, we aim to investigate the spatial and temporal overlap between hedgehogs, rodents, and other species in gardens across the UK.

Therefore, we would like to recruit volunteers (over 18 years old) with a private garden and access to a camera trap to help collect the data needed. Data collection is due to take place during two periods: summer (July 2026) and winter (December 2026). You may take part in one or both seasons. Data will need to be recorded continuously over a 24-hour period for 7 days during each survey period. To maintain comparability with a recently published study, we are asking volunteers to use a leaking tin of sardines as a lure. Participants will also need to complete a short questionnaire about habitat features within their garden. If you want to volunteer, or need more information, please go to our website under the Garden Mammals project.

If you do not have a camera trap, you can still support the project by helping to classify images from the study.