Volunteers are required to help with the placing of 150 cameras in Bushy Park to monitor the movement of hedgehogs.

 The project, called HOGWATCH is in partnership with The Royal Parks and London Zoo.

Hedgehogs have historically been an important element of urban biodiversity in the UK, but appear to have declined dramatically in recent years.

 The London HogWatch project (LHW, established in 2016) was developed to identify the locations of some of the main hedgehog populations in Greater London to promote a London-wide strategy to protect these populations and encourage their expansion.

 A critical component of monitoring and understanding the causes for wildlife declines is the ability to measure their abundance and distribution.

 Previous London HogWatch survey in South West London have shown badgers affecting hedgehog distribution here.

  In 2017 a small seven camera survey was done in Bushy park where The Royal Parks found just ONE hedgehog and three badger contacts.              During the 2020 lockdown gardens surveys hedgehogs were also found in the neighbouring area Teddington providing more evidence that Bushy Park could be an important site for hedgehogs in London.

The camera set up is scheduled for Friday 22nd April from 10am to 2pm. Training will be provided as well as snacks and teas and coffees.

For more details go to the Royal Parks website.