Volunteers needed to monitor hedgehogs at Easter Bush
The National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme is coming to the University of Edinburgh’s Easter Bush campus this summer.
The groundbreaking project will monitor hedgehog populations in different habitats across the UK, showing how these are changing year on year. The University of Edinburgh is coordinating the hedgehog survey at Easter Bush, having received its "Hedgehog Friendly Campus" gold award last year.
In a world-first for hedgehog conservation, the project will use artificial intelligence (AI) to identify hedgehog activity captured by wildlife cameras. Volunteers are needed to install and collect the cameras, during July and August. The footage will then be uploaded for analysis by AI and citizen scientists.
The NEW National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme [external]
Volunteers needed
This is now fully booked with a wait list, so we can not accept any more registrations for this activity.
If you have applied to volunteer and can no longer take part, please contact us as soon as possible.
We’re looking for 16 committed volunteers to help install and retrieve trail cameras to capture images of hedgehogs and other wildlife at our Easter Bush Campus. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary, but volunteers will need to be able to commit to an online briefing call and in-person camera deployment sessions across three days at Easter Bush. You'll also need to be willing to work outside in potentially adverse weather conditions!
Volunteers must be able to attend the following sessions:
- 1-hour online training session via Zoom, Wednesday 10 July, 7pm-8pm
- Camera deployment session at Easter Bush, Friday 12 July, 9am - 5pm
- Camera retrieval at Easter Bush, Monday 12 August 9am - 5pm
By taking part, you’ll be helping researchers to understand why hedgehog populations are in decline, and what can be done to protect them. You'll also be learning a new skill - how to set up and maintain wildlife cameras!
If you are a member of staff at the University you can use your "Day to Make A Difference" to volunteer onsite.
We're excited to be taking part in the National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme and hope to capture some fantastic images of the wildlife at Easter Bush. Hopefully volunteers will enjoy the chance to see our wild campus from a new perspective whilst learning some new skills along the way!
Important information for prospective volunteers
How will volunteers be selected?
Volunteers will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Can I go on leave in between the volunteering dates?
Yes. The only work required is on the volunteering dates to set up and bring in the cameras and upload the data.
What if I can’t make the training session?
You must attend training to be able to take part. The training will demonstrate how to set up the cameras, calibrate them and give instructions for working on site, confirm locations, logistics etc.
If I’m ill on the day of one of the volunteering dates, who do I contact?
Emergency contact details will be shared with volunteers closer to the session dates.
If I have a disability or accessibility requirements, can I still volunteer?
The work will involve venturing off path for some of the camera locations, for example into areas of woodland. Please let us know if you have a disability or accessibility requirements when you complete the volunteer registration form as there are some more accessible locations that we can allocate you to.
If I don’t get a spot is there another way I can get involved?
Applicants who aren’t chosen as volunteers can still help out with the National Hedgehog Monitoring Project by classifying the uploaded images.
Find out more via MammalWeb [external]
Can staff use this as their Day to Make a Difference?
Yes! If you’re a University staff member you can use your day to make a difference. To find out how, visit the volunteering checklist
How to use your Day to Make a Difference