A SPINGER spaniel who worked alongside Hartpury senior lecturer Dr Lucy Bearman-Brown in ground-breaking hedgehog conservation has been awarded a major honour.

Rescue dog Henry, who has been trained to carry out conservation detection, has been named Animal of the Year by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Henry showed exceptional skill in locating hedgehogs in difficult environments such as dense vegetation and rabbit holes.

The research funded by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), highlighted the critical role detection dogs like Henry play in protecting hedgehogs during land clearance and habitat management.

Henry’s work has not only contributed to the conservation of one of Britain’s most beloved species but has also showcased the potential of detection dogs in non-invasive wildlife surveys.

Dr Bearman-Brown, the university’s senior lecturer in ecology, praised Henry for his work.

She said: “Hartpury University would like to extend its warmest congratulations to rescue springer spaniel Henry on being named the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s (IFAW) 2025 Animal of the Year.

“Henry played an invaluable role in our research into innovative methods for detecting hedgehogs, demonstrating just how remarkable detection dogs can be at locating nesting and hibernating hedgehogs.

“This important work has helped develop reliable ways to identify hedgehogs at risk from land clearance.

“Henry was an absolute joy to work with – an intelligent, enthusiastic, and dedicated partner whose skills have only continued to grow.

“We’re so proud to have been part of his journey, and we couldn’t be happier for Henry and his brilliant handler, Louise. Congratulations to you both.”

Staff and students at the university collaborate on projects that address real world problems in ecology and environmental management such as the use of detection dogs in wildlife conservation.