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Exact population data can be hard to determine because hedgehogs are nocturnal and notoriously tricky to survey. However, since 2018 we have worked in collaboration with ZSL to survey Barnes and Putney Lower Commons with the use of wildlife camera traps.
In 2019, the survey was expanded to cover all of the green corridor between Richmond Park and Barnes Common. This added Palewell Common, Roehampton Club and Bank of England Club.
Survey Results
Barnes Hedgehogs
The founders of Barnes Hedgehogs, Michel and Robin have invited Barnes Common to take on the species champion role and help the survival of these threatened mammals. We are pleased to do this alongside our related work on hedgehogs and other species within the Richmond Biodiversity Group’s habitat and species action plans.
Barnes Hedgehogs was created 12 years ago by local resident Michel G. Birkenwald, who realised that connecting fragmented garden habitats can help the local hedgehog population. Since then, local volunteers and founders, Michel and Robin have cut well over a thousand holes in the area, including Mortlake, Putney, Sheen and Richmond.
Now under the umbrella of Barnes Common, Barnes Hedgehogs continue to offer the service, supported by local handyperson service Handyman Station, to cut small access holes in fences as part of the construction of the Barnes Hedgehog Highway. They drill in timber fences, brick walls and also have a tunnelling solution system.
Barnes Hedgehogs has become a neighbourhood project and locals really take responsibility for their hedgehogs. The Hedgehog Superhighway has contributed to the growth of the local hedgehog population a great deal and since its inception many more sightings have been reported.
We already have a network of gardens across Barnes, so why not add yours to it! We would love to get everyone involved so please book your hedgehog hole cutting appointment today. Please email us for upcoming dates – once they’re open for booking, we’ll put them on Eventbrite.
If you’re interested in helping this project by volunteering, please get in touch!
Do’s and Don’ts:
If you find a hedgehog during the day or injured, please take them to a local vet – our recommendation is James Champion at Medivet on Church Road. You can also take hedgehogs to Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Buckinghamshire (24-hr phone line 01844292292).
Do not call the RSPCA – their advice is to take the hedgehog to a wildlife rescue centre (the nearest one is in Hastings).
Sightings on Barnes Common and Leg o’Mutton Reserve can be reported to Will.
Additional information can also be found at the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and Hedgehog Street.
Exact population data can be hard to determine because hedgehogs are nocturnal and notoriously tricky to survey. However, since 2018 we have worked in collaboration with ZSL to survey Barnes and Putney Lower Commons with the use of wildlife camera traps.
In 2019, the survey was expanded to cover all of the green corridor between Richmond Park and Barnes Common. This added Palewell Common, Roehampton Club and Bank of England Club.
Survey Results
Barnes Hedgehogs
The founders of Barnes Hedgehogs, Michel and Robin have invited Barnes Common to take on the species champion role and help the survival of these threatened mammals. We are pleased to do this alongside our related work on hedgehogs and other species within the Richmond Biodiversity Group’s habitat and species action plans.
Barnes Hedgehogs was created 12 years ago by local resident Michel G. Birkenwald, who realised that connecting fragmented garden habitats can help the local hedgehog population. Since then, local volunteers and founders, Michel and Robin have cut well over a thousand holes in the area, including Mortlake, Putney, Sheen and Richmond.
Now under the umbrella of Barnes Common, Barnes Hedgehogs continue to offer the service, supported by local handyperson service Handyman Station, to cut small access holes in fences as part of the construction of the Barnes Hedgehog Highway. They drill in timber fences, brick walls and also have a tunnelling solution system.
Barnes Hedgehogs has become a neighbourhood project and locals really take responsibility for their hedgehogs. The Hedgehog Superhighway has contributed to the growth of the local hedgehog population a great deal and since its inception many more sightings have been reported.
We already have a network of gardens across Barnes, so why not add yours to it! We would love to get everyone involved so please book your hedgehog hole cutting appointment today. Please email us for upcoming dates – once they’re open for booking, we’ll put them on Eventbrite.
If you’re interested in helping this project by volunteering, please get in touch!
Do’s and Don’ts:
If you find a hedgehog during the day or injured, please take them to a local vet – our recommendation is James Champion at Medivet on Church Road. You can also take hedgehogs to Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Buckinghamshire (24-hr phone line 01844292292).
Do not call the RSPCA – their advice is to take the hedgehog to a wildlife rescue centre (the nearest one is in Hastings).
Sightings on Barnes Common and Leg o’Mutton Reserve can be reported to Will.
Additional information can also be found at the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and Hedgehog Street.
Barnes Common
Vine Road Pavilion
Vine Road
Barnes SW13 0NE