Torbay’s robots are programmed for hedgehog safety

Robot lawnmowers roaming grassed areas in Torbay are timing their trims to keep hedgehogs safe.

The robots are sent out to tackle the grass during the day and park themselves safely in their boxes at night, when the hedgehogs come out to feed.
“We have taken on board the fact that hedgehogs are nocturnal,” said Cllr Adam Billings (con, Churston with Galmpton), who is Torbay Council’s cabinet member for pride in place.
He was responding to a question from Cllr Mandy Darling (Lib Dem, Tormohun), who said animal charities had highlighted the dangers of robot mowers such as the ones used by SWISCo on grassed areas beside the A380 and at the Gallows Gate roundabout.
She said there were reports of serious harm to animals, including the loss of limbs.
“What measures has SWISCo taken to ensure that its robot lawnmowers are safe and not detrimental to local wildlife?” she asked during a full council meeting.
“Are the robot mowers fitted with wildlife safety buffers to prevent wildlife being injured or killed?”
Cllr Billings said the council was committed to maintaining its green spaces responsibly and with care for local wildlife.
He went on: “These mowers, like traditional mowers, can pose risks to small animals. To minimize these risks a site-specific approach and carefully planned timing has been adopted.”
He said hedgehogs would have to cross a busy dual carriageway to reach the grassed areas where the robots operated beside the A380. And, he said, the robots were no longer used at the ‘banjo’ in Princess Gardens because animals could come into conflict with them there.
Elsewhere, he said: “The mowers are out during the day when the hedgehogs are less likely to be around.”