Mitcham Hedgehog Project

Our History

This project follows on from the hedgehog surveys that were carried out in 2022 and 2023 by the Friends of Mitcham Common, with funding from the Mitcham Common Education Trust. These surveys showed that hedgehogs are present in five of the seven sub-sites. You can find out more about these surveys and what the Friends of Mitcham Common are doing to help hedgehogs here.

Happy project leader after finding hedgehog footprints during survey

2024

We launched this project on 5th May 2024, which coincided with Hedgehog Awareness Week.

During our first Hedgehog Survey season (May-September). We surveyed Sherwood Recreation Ground, the Mill House subsite on Mitcham Common and helped the Friends of Morden Park survey using footprint tunnels. We also surveyed 5 gardens with trail cameras (Thanks to ZSL London Hogwatch). We have also been told about 4 hedgehog sightings, which have all been logged on the Big Hedgehog Map.

Footprint tunnel out for survey

Hedgehog footprints (2024)

Hedgehog in garden (2024)

Rescued injured hedgehog (2024)

2024/2025

5th May 2025, marks the first anniversary of our project.

When I launched this project in 2024, I felt disheartened when only 4 out of the 255 flyers resulted in engagement. However, after rescuing a severely injured hedgehog and moving a road-killed hedgehog, I was determined to persevere for the sake of the hedgehogs in our area. I’m glad I did, and I am proud of what I have achieved so far.

2025

Since reaching our crowdfunding target in April, I am pleased to report that we have accomplished what we set out to deliver.

We began by hosting ‘An Evening with the Mitcham Hedgehog Project’ in May, where we explained the importance of hedgehog conservation and outlined our plans for the survey season. In the following months, we attended three local community events with our pop-up stall: the Mitcham Craft & Food Market, Mitcham Carnival, and Canons Sustainable September Fair. Additionally, we organised a litter pick on Mayfield Road Playing Fields & Playground, led a community walk through Mayfield Road and Mitcham Common in collaboration with the Pollards Hill Walk & Talk group, and spoke to children about hedgehogs during a primary school assembly. We also hosted a Hedgehog Discovery Afternoon, featuring interactive learning and crafts for the whole family. Throughout all these activities, we provided education and outreach, both through social media and at in-person events. Our efforts didn’t stop there—we also surveyed seven private gardens, two community gardens, part of a football ground, a cemetery, and part of Mitcham Common. During this period, we received invaluable support from ZSL London Hogwatch, GoodGym Merton, local community members, and our dedicated volunteers. I am so proud of what we have achieved.

Thank you to each and every one of our backers. Your support gave me the confidence to push on with this project and has helped hedgehogs in the local area. This marks the end of our crowdfunding campaign, but it is not the end of my efforts to help hedgehogs and other wild animals in South London!

Emma - Project leader

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