Volunteers in Surbiton are to get special cameras to monitor hedgehog activity in their gardens as part of a new initiative by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

Residents in the Berrylands and Alexandra Kingston Council Wards will be invited to sign up to take part in a community research programme aiming to measure London's hedgehog population next month, as numbers of the species continue to decline across the UK.

The ZSL scheme, 'London Hogwatch', was given a £3000 grant by the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee on April 27 and will take place over the summer.

Research results will be presented by the Institute of Zoology in autumn and the Council says its findings will be incorporated into its new Biodiversity Action Plan, launching later this year.

During the scheme, volunteer 'hedgehog champions' will be given cameras fitted with infrared motion sensors that will automatically record short videos when the spiky creatures are present.

The new research will help experts understand how hedgehog populations are distributed across London - and could be key to ensuring the species' survival.

Hedgehogs are one of the fastest declining mammals in the UK, with populations of the creatures only a third of what they were in 1990.

But evidence shows that the decline in suburban areas are not as significant as that in rural environments, meaning Surbiton could be a hedgehog haven.

Inspired to become a hedgehog champion? Fill in this form to express your interest and attend the Council's information session on Thursday 3 June at 6pm. [.l]

Responding to the news, Co-Chair of the Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee, Councillor Anita Schaper, said: "I am delighted that this local project has been approved to start in May.

"Often considered a gardener's best friend, hedgehogs are a vital part of our ecosystem and they are great at eating slugs and all sorts of bugs.

"I look forward to the efforts to monitor and find out more about hedgehogs in our neighbourhood."

Chris Carbone, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Zoology, added: "We are absolutely delighted to be awarded funding from Kingston Council.

"This will enable us to work with their residents to help investigate and monitor the local hedgehog population.

"The project will hopefully help to educate and inspire the community about these fascinating mammals, while also providing vital data that will inform conservation actions moving forward.

"We hope this will help to create an environment in which both people and hedgehogs can thrive side by side."

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