Warning that robot lawnmowers are killing hedgehogs: Scientists propose must-have garden gadgets come with 'safety certificates'

Hedgehogs are increasingly being killed and injured from encounters with robot lawnmowers which have few safety features to protect wildlife, according to Oxford University scientists. Researchers conducted a series of tests with the mowers, the latest must-have garden gadget, with a view to create a'hedgehog friendly' certification so gardeners need not fear any prickly casualties when they trim the grass. To ensure no harm was caused to living hedgehogs, scientists used rubber'crash test hedgehogs' instead to see if the robot mower would turn away on encountering one of Mrs Tiggywinkle's tribe on the lawn. Hedgehogs are already in serious decline, with reasons including habitat loss, road traffic accidents, intensive agriculture, and injuries from dog bites and garden strimmers. But now mowers are adding to the threats.