A parliamentary question submitted by Nancy Arendt of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) has brought fresh attention to the risks automated mowers pose to hedgehogs and other small wildlife in Luxembourg.

Arendt's written inquiry published on 5 August to Environment Minister Serge Wilmes noted that automated lawnmowers, increasingly popular across the Grand Duchy, may harm nocturnal animals, such as hedgehogs, if operated without sensors or during night hours.

She cited measures taken in Germany, where the cities of Cologne and Leipzig have introduced local bans on night-time use of the machines to better protect urban wildlife.

In her letter, Arendt asked whether the Minister was aware of the issue, whether the government has data on related hedgehog injuries or deaths, and if a national night ban might be considered. She also called for greater public awareness of the risks.

Minister Wilmes confirmed that the ministry is aware of the issue but said it does not currently hold any statistics on the number of hedgehogs, or other wildlife, harmed by automated mowers.

At present, there are no plans to launch a dedicated awareness campaign. However, the Minister said the ministry supports biodiversity-friendly mowing practices and encourages their application.

On the question of a potential ban on night-time operation of robotic mowers, Wilmes noted that such a step would first require legal analysis to determine whether it is feasible under Luxembourgish law.

He also pointed out that similar bans in Germany were introduced not at national level, but by individual cities.

The response may leave room for further local action, particularly in communes concerned about urban biodiversity and animal protection.

Hedgehogs, which are nocturnal and tend not to flee from perceived threats, are particularly vulnerable to injuries from unsupervised or sensor-lacking devices. Conservation groups have long warned of the dangers posed by automated lawn equipment to ground-dwelling wildlife.

The full response to Arendt's question is available in Luxembourgish here.