Identifying hedgehog populations through camera trap surveys across Greater London to inform conservation actions for their protection, connection and expansion
London HogWatch
Our vision is hedgehog populations in London are resilient, connected, and supported by local communities.
London HogWatch was established in 2016 to identify the locations of hedgehog populations in Greater London.
By increasing our understanding of hedgehog abundance and distributions, we can better inform future conservation management strategies and help halt the
decline of hedgehog populations in London.
Britain’s urban
hedgehogs have
declined by
one third
Since 2000
Our Work
We carry out systematic camera trapping surveys across Greater London in a range of different habitats, including parks, gardens, and private green spaces. This allows us to collect data on the presence and absence of hedgehog populations. Our analysis of the data enables us to address knowledge gaps about the occurrence, size, and connectivity of hedgehog populations.
London HogWatch is based in the Institute of Zoology, ZSL. Our ability to conduct surveys is only achievable with the kind support of our funders and collaborators, particularly the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, our core funder.
Our Work in London
HogWatch continues to expand every year and has currently carried out surveys in two thirds of all London Boroughs and put out over 4000 camera traps across London. This map shows London boroughs HogWatch has surveyed in since the project began in 2016, each year the scope of our work continues to expand into new areas.
We are currently collecting citizen science data through our Historical Hedgehog and Wildlife Survey, with the aim of understanding recent, present and past distributions of hedgehogs, foxes and badgers.
You can help today by taking our short survey:
Help us to map London’s mammals
