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Newton Park’s spiky new inhabitants

Monday, 4 November, 2024

As the nights draw in and Bonfire Night approaches, hedgehogs come under threat as they crawl into wood piles and travel around during darkness, unaware of what's to come. BSU is proud to offer them a safe haven ahead of this tricky time of year, as the University expanded its spiky family at Newton Park campus a few weeks ago.  

On Wednesday 16 October, Bath Spa University welcomed two new residents to our Newton Park campus, Sonic and Pookie.  

Sporting more spikes than our regular cohort, these two new residents will likely spend more time exploring the landscape than attending lectures.  

The two arrivals are part of a long-standing relationship that Bath Spa University has with North Somerset Hedgehog Rescue, run by Beryl.   

Beryl has been rescuing and rehabilitating hedgehogs for nearly 30 years and, with Bath Spa University’s wide array of green space, our Newton Park campus makes the perfect place for these prickly friends to be re-introduced to the wild.  

Speaking about her experience rehabilitating hedgehogs, Beryl said: 

"I have been rescuing and rehabilitating hedgehogs for almost 30 years, these amazing little animals have continued to fight on from environmental changes to man-made hazards reducing both their habitat and food supply. 

“I feel privileged to have been supported by businesses such as Vale Vets in Portishead, Vale Wildlife Hospital in Tewkesbury and local volunteers.  

“I am extremely grateful to BSU for offering to provide a safe haven as well as contributing vital research and behaviour studies to aid us in supporting the hedgehog population."   

person's hands supporting a hedgehog on newspaper.

Hedgehog numbers have significantly decreased in the UK in recent years, with studies showing that numbers have dropped between 30-75% in rural areas. This stark statistic highlights the importance of Beryl’s work, as well as BSU’s efforts to ensure that hedgehogs are present and protected within our grounds. 

Sonic and Pookie, named by the Hedgehog Society, were slowly re-introduced to the wild after months of rehabilitation, with food and care provided by our dedicated grounds team. The pair join Tiny and Parsley as part of the wider hedgehog community at BSU, with the University dedicated to preserving the species. 

With their interests spiked, Bath Spa University’s very own Hedgehog Society were in attendance for the release of our new four-legged friends and Secretary Linsey-May reflected on the opportunity: 

“Being a part of the release on Wednesday was amazing for the society. The importance of rehabilitating hedgehogs like these is to increase their chances of survival once released. Not only does this help to increase population numbers, but being able to join the release helps our society to educate other students and raise awareness of the conservation of the species. It was so helpful to hear about the work that Beryl and her team do for this species.” 

Discover how you can do your bit to help protect hedgehogs.