Hartpury University hosting international hedgehog conference

The International Conference for Hedgehog Rehabilitators was last held in Denmark

An international hedgehog conference to discuss ways to save the small mammal from decline is being held in Gloucestershire.

More than 200 people from nine different countries are expected to attend the event at Hartpury University over Saturday and Sunday.

Hedgehog researchers and carers will be aiming to share ideas on preserving the European hedgehog in the wild.

Organiser Lucy Bearman-Brown said such events are "essential".

"Historically there hasn't been a forum in which people could do that," she said.

"So it's really nice to be able to bring people together in this way," added Dr Bearman-Brown, a senior lecturer in zoology.

The International Conference for Hedgehog Rehabilitators will focus on the most recent hedgehog research and conservation initiatives from all over Europe.

Improving hedgehog conservation

Carers who treat sick and injured hedgehogs suffering with a range of different injuries and diseases will be in attendance and there will be a series of speakers sharing knowledge, studies and ideas.

Dr Bearman-Brown said it was important to "work together and strengthen our teamwork".

She added: "We hope to establish a strong and respectful collaboration between the scientists and the care practitioners with the purpose of improving hedgehog conservation.

"It's really important that we continue to look at how we improve practice in in any sector, in any profession.

"The end goal really is to help continue to build this community of of hedgehog rehabilitators."