In order to increase the number of hedgehogs in an area, we need to monitor them. Help Grace by surveying in your area.

What type of surveyor are you?

Surveyors come in all shapes and sizes. You can do as much or as little as you want and age doesn’t matter

Hedgehog numbers all over the country are in steep decline. There were 35 million in the UK when your Granny was young – now we have less than 1 million left. By the time you grow up they could be gone from our gardens forever! We can’t let this happen!

You can help us to know where hedgehogs are so that we can help make things better for them and increase their numbers. We do this by carrying out surveys.

Project Amazing Grace, Surrey Heath Hedgehog Surveyor

The Surrey Heath Hedgehog Survey is monitoring the presence of hedgehogs in more than 250 unique sites across the borough. We are carrying out annual surveys of hedgehogs in these areas over a four year period. We are adding to this information with data collected from residents. We are working with our MP, Michael Gove, the borough council, parish councils, residents, schools, developers and community groups to enhance the available habitat for hedgehogs. To be a surveyor on one these sites all you will need to do is join our zoom course and follow the guidelines laid out in the course. If you would like to become a Surrey Heath surveyor, please fill in the form below and we will contact you and book on one of our zoom training course. All ages are welcome, but if you are under 18 you will need to do the survey with a responsible adult. Our Surrey Heath Surveyors are asked to use footprint tunnels on designated sites for 5 consecutive nights at time suitable to you. We supply all the equipment, all you need is time. Fill in the form below to join our zoom course for more information about becoming a surveyor

Visual Survey

If you are feeding hedgehogs in your garden and see them please add the data to our map by filling in the Great British Hedgehog Survey Form.

Torch Light Survey

Prior to dusk make a detailed map of the area you are going to survey. Mark on it any potential hazards: areas of danger such as water, low fences, brambles or stinging nettles etc. After dusk the area is ready be searched by torchlight.

The area should be segmented into two meter strips. Walk along the edge of a two meter section slowly shining the torch light to spot hedgehogs. Listen for their distinctive sound. A hedgehog may freeze and the snuffling sound will stop when the light hits them. If you can’t see them it’s advisable to stand still and wait for the hedgehog to move again so you can confirm the sighting. Continue covering the area in two meter strips. Please add this data to our map.

Camera Survey

You can use camera traps to spot hedgehogs. You can put the camera traps in different areas to get a better understanding of their habits. You may even be able to recognise differences in the hedgehogs so that you can assess the number you have. You may know if they hibernate or their ages. Please add this data to our map.