18/06/2026
Garden Wildlife Watch - Volunteers Needed asap!
Researchers at the University of Reading are investigating how urban hedgehogs may come into contact with rodenticides (rat poison) in gardens. Potential routes of exposure include entering rodent bait boxes and scavenging poisoned rodent carcasses. To do this, the team is looking for volunteers in and around Reading with access to a garden.
The findings from this project may help improve understanding of the risks rodenticides pose to urban hedgehogs and inform more wildlife-friendly pest control practices.
Volunteers can take part in up to three experiments, including monitoring (1) slug visits to rodent bait boxes, (2) hedgehog visits to rodent bait boxes, and (3) scavenging behaviour of garden mammals using wildlife cameras. No prior experience is required, and all equipment will be provided and delivered to your home.
For more information and to apply, please visit: https://sites.google.com/view/gardenwildlife-org
