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Subliminal Curriculum - Words of Wisdom

Hedgehog Friendly Campus

The Open University Student Union and The Open University got students, volunteers and staff involved in nature and conservation initiatives through Hedgehog Friendly Campus.  This was started through a student volunteer request and it gave us the push we needed to provide staff capacity to support this project since it's something that students wanted to see happen. The Estates team helped immensely with campus improvements but also paying for the accreditation which provides us with a framework for getting this work done (including litter picks engaging students and staff, organising community events, building bug hotels and running awareness campaigns). The impact was a positive one - we raised £282 through campus and wider community initiatives, including vegan bake sales and volunteer hedgehog crocheting. We raised awareness through various comms throughout the year as well as Hedgehog Awareness Week in May. We submitted enough evidence to be accredited silver status.

Author: Ciara Linehan, Open University, OpenSU projects officer.

A badge that indicates the winner of the student vote in November 2025.

Student quotes

"If students could learn about ecosystems, environments through hedgehogs, it would not only benefit the science students but students who wish to study animals, environmental laws, health as well as the sciences."
"I chose this because the initiative is a brilliant example of grassroots sustainability, student-led action, and institutional responsiveness. This initiative shows how sustainability can be joyful, student-driven, and institutionally supported. It blends ecological care with creativity, community, and recognition—making it a model for inclusive environmental action."