The costs and benefits of supplementary feeding hedgehogs.

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The costs and benefits of supplementary feeding hedgehogs.

School: School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences

Study mode(s): Full-time

Starting: 2026

Funding: UK student / Fully-funded

Project overview

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 (Hubert et al., 2020; Schaus et al., 2020; Hitchcock et al., 2025; Benjamin et al., 2025). 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:

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.

1) Dr Richard Yarnell

2) Dr Antonio Uzal

• Previous experience of peer reviewed publication
• GIS
• Statistical modelling using R (Spatial Capture Recapture, Unmarked, Occupancy)
• Extensive fieldwork experience
• A driving licence

Entry qualifications

Entrants must have a first/undergraduate Honours degree, with an Upper Second Class or a First Class grade, in zoology and biological science related subjects. Entrants with a Lower Second Class grade at first degree must also have a postgraduate Masters Degree at Merit or Commendation.

How to apply

You can apply for this project here.

Applications close Thursday 11 June 2026.

Fees and funding

The studentship includes full-time PhD fees and bursary for a UK student for three years and is funded by Nottingham Trent University and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. Supervision will be led by Dr. Richard Yarnell, School of Animal Rural and Environmental Sciences (NTU Brackenhurst Campus).

Guidance and support

Find out about guidance and support for PhD students .

Still need help?

Contact Richard Yarnell on:

• Email: richard.yarnell@ntu.ac.uk

Research areas