Citizen science
Your observations and contributions can make a real difference. Join our citizen science initiatives and help us collect the data needed to protect hedgehogs.
Introduction
At The Hedgehog Program, we believe that everyone can play and active role in protecting hedgehogs. Our citizen science initiatives make it possible for everyone, regardless of experience, to contribute directly to research and conservation.
By collecting and sharing data, you help us understand where hedgehogs live, how they behave and what threats they face. Every record, from a garden sighting to a collected sample, is a valuable piece of the puzzle.
How citizen science works
Observation & sightings
Spot a hedgehog? Record the details through Observation.org or the ObsIdentify app. Your data helps us track populations and seasonal changes.
Submit data via apps
Use your smartphone or computer to upload photos, notes and exact locations. The more details, the more valuable the record.
Send samples (hairs & quills)
Interested in contributing physical samples? Contact us first with the project title, your name and sample details. Once approved, you’ll receive our postal address to send them in.
Overview of citizen science initiatives
Our citizen science initiatives come in many forms. From signing up with local nature organisations or starting your own community conservation project with our guides and matching courses, to going on evening walks to spot hedgehogs and submit sightings. Some initiatives also involve sending us hair or quill samples, but only if you come across them by chance or if you care for hedgehogs in captivity, such as in rescue centers or as domestic species. Explore the projects below and see how you can get involved in a way that suits your interest and experience.
Results & impact
Citizen science is more than collecting data, it’s about transforming individual contributions into collective knowledge. The observation, app submissions, and physical samples we receive help us map hedgehog populations, detect changes in behavior or numbers, and identify problem areas such as dangerous roads. These results are shared with researchers, conservationists, and local authorities to guide actions that have a real and lasting impact on hedgehog survival.