- Nineteen motion-activated cameras recorded hedgehogs in 2025, up from just one in 2017
- Results suggest a thriving population at ancient north-London woodland site, managed by the Corporation
- Numbers indicate major success in the habitat management and protection of local wildlife
The number of hedgehog visits captured on cameras in Highgate Wood has dramatically increased, according to the latest survey conducted by ZSL (Zoological Society of London), in collaboration with the Corporation and Heath Hands staff and volunteers.
Led by ZSL’s London HogWatch team, this year’s study (which ran between 12th June and 4th July) recorded hedgehogs on 19 motion-activated cameras – a significant increase from a just one recorded in the same period in 2017.
The findings suggest the hedgehog population at Highgate Wood is thriving with hedgehogs detected at two thirds of the deployed cameras, marking a major success for local biodiversity and wildlife conservation efforts.
Chair of the City Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, Alderman and Sheriff Gregory Jones, said:
“These results are hugely encouraging and show that hedgehogs are making a comeback at Highgate Wood. Our dedicated conservation work, alongside the invaluable support of volunteers and local experts, is helping nature to thrive in this ancient woodland.
“As custodians of some of the UK’s most iconic and well-loved open spaces, it demonstrates tangible results in our wider commitment to protect biodiversity across over 11,000 acres of open space we manage across London and southeast England.”
Manager of the London HogWatch project at ZSL’s Institute of Zoology, Kate Scott-Gatty, added:
“It is very exciting to see such a large increase in hedgehog detections across the whole of Highgate Wood. It is wonderful news, particularly for a species which has been in decline in the UK over the last three decades. We can all help protect wildlife, and these results really show what we can achieve for British wildlife when we combine cross-sector knowledge and expertise with the dedication of volunteers. Camera surveys are not only key for tracking progress – they also help inform our decision making as we continue work to recover this much-loved native species.”
Programme Manager at Heath Hands, Karin Oleinikova, said:
“Heath Hands are delighted that the conservation work our volunteers have helped with has been having such a positive impact on the hedgehog population at Highgate Wood.
“We look forward to continuing our Hedgehog Friendly Heath project with local partners, working to monitor hedgehogs and increase connectivity between Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and nearby green spaces for this iconic species.”
Highgate Wood is a 70-acre ancient woodland and a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation. Managed by the Corporation as a registered charity since 1886, it provides vital green space in north London and has received a Green Flag Award every year since the scheme began in 1996.
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Notes to editors
About the Corporation:
The Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile, dedicated to supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – .
The 2024-25 survey was made possible by a grant from the City Corporation’s Central Grants Programme (Enjoying Green Spaces and the Natural Environment) – https:///about-us/working-with-community/central-grants-programme/enjoying-green-spaces-and-the-natural-environment
About ZSL (Zoological Society of London)
Founded in 1826, ZSL is an international conservation charity, driven by science, working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world; by protecting critical species, restoring ecosystems, helping people and wildlife live together and inspiring support for nature.
Through our leading conservation zoos, London and Whipsnade, we bring people closer to nature and use our expertise to protect wildlife today, while inspiring a lifelong love of animals in the conservationists of tomorrow.
For more information visit www.zsl.org.
About London HogWatch
London HogWatch was established in 2016 to identify hedgehog populations in Greater London and to promote conservation strategies for their protection, connection, and expansion. By increasing our understanding of hedgehog abundance and distributions, we can better inform future conservation management strategies and help halt the decline of hedgehog populations in London. We work with a variety of groups including councils, local environmental groups, charities, and companies. HogWatch is led by ZSL, with the support of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, HogWatch’s core funder.
For more information visit https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/projects/london-hogwatch
About Heath Hands
For more information about Heath Hands visit heath-hands.org.uk/wildlifeconnectivity.
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