The costs and benefits of supplementary feeding hedgehogs.

About the Project

Supplementary feeding of wildlife in residential gardens is common across the world. While many benefits of supplementary feeding have been identified, there are growing concerns that unintended negative impacts on wildlife can result. One species that is a target of supplementary feeding is the declining Western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), that is frequently associated with urban environments. A potential driver of hedgehog urban adaptation is supplementary feeding in urban gardens, with householders providing food on a regular basis. Although widely promoted as a conservation measure, the ecological consequences of widespread supplementary feeding remain poorly understood. High densities of feeding stations may attract more individuals, alter natural foraging behaviour, and increase interactions with conspecifics and other species, which may in turn increase competition and disease transmission impacting fitness, health and welfare.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between supplementary feeding station density and food provisioning in Great Britain. It will examine how variation in feeding intensity influences hedgehog abundance, stress levels and health by comparing sites with differing feeding densities.

Person specification: We are seeking a student with a strong background in ecology, conservation science or related disciplines, i.e. a student with a good undergraduate degree (First class honours degree) and preferably a good Master’s degree (commendation/merit or distinction).

The project would particularly suit someone who has experience of ecological fieldwork, a keen interest in population dynamics, animal behaviour, health and welfare, and who wants to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. Strong statistical written skills are also desirable. You will work closely with the general public and conservation groups, and engage with landowners, so good communication skills are essential. The student must be ready to start in October 2026.

In addition, the following skills would be desirable: Previous experience of peer reviewed publication, GIS, Statistical modelling using R (Spatial Capture Recapture, Unmarked, Occupancy), Extensive field work experience, A driving licence.

The successful applicant will join a thriving PhD community at NTU’s School of Animal Rural and Environmental Sciences, which achieved a 97% student satisfaction score in the Postgraduate Researcher Experience Survey in 2025.