Call for public to assist in nationwide hedgehog count

Hedgehog Conservation Ireland, along with researchers from the University of Galway and Oxford, is inviting individuals to participate in the first-ever Great Big All-Ireland Hedgehog Count.

The project's goal is to assist scientists in gaining a better understanding of the status of Ireland's hedgehog population.

The count will commence next Monday, 8 June, and will last for one week.

Elaine O’Riordan, a researcher at the University of Galway and the lead researcher for the Irish Hedgehog Survey, stated that people are encouraged to search for hedgehogs in their gardens, local parks, green areas, or woods.

Further information is available on the RTE website at https://www.rte.ie/news/connacht/2026/0602/1576422-ireland-hedgehog-count/