Introducting the Hedgehog Dome

The Hedgehog Dome is more than just a shelter: it is a carefully designed, long-lasting habitat that supports hedgehogs throughout the year. Where traditional hedgehog houses often provide only a temporary refuge, the Dome takes the idea further by combining natural design, durability, and ecological value.

How it works

The Hedgehog Dome mimics the way hedgehogs would naturally build a safe nest in the wild. It includes:

• Multiple nest chambers: giving hedgehogs choices for resting, nesting, or hibernating.
• Tunnels and entryways: designed to protect against predators and keep out excessive wind and rain.
• Drainage and ventilation: ensuring the inside stays dry, cool in summer, and insulated in winter.
• A planted dome above: blending the structure into the landscape and providing additional habitat for insects and plants.

Together, these features create a micro-habitat that functions as part of the wider ecosystem.

What makes it different

Most shop-bought “hedgehog houses” are simple wooden boxes. While these can provide short-term shelter, they often have limited space, poor insulation, and a shorter lifespan when exposed to outdoor conditions. The Hedgehog Dome is different because it:

• Lasts for many years with minimal maintenance.
• Offers natural protection against predators such as foxes, badgers, or dogs.
• Uses eco-friendly materials that blend into the environment.
• Encourages biodiversity by doubling as a mini-green mound once planted.

Why it’s better than a standard hedgehog house

The Dome is designed with hedgehogs’ real needs in mind, not just human convenience. Its size, structure, and location flexibility mean that it is suitable for both urban gardens and rural areas. Because it includes multiple chambers and better insulation, hedgehogs can use it for every stage of their life cycle: daytime resting, raising young, and overwintering.

Long-term benefits

By building a Hedgehog Dome, you are not just creating a temporary shelter, you are adding a permanent safe space to the landscape. Over time, this means:

1. Stable nesting opportunities for hedgehogs year after year.
2. Increased local biodiversity, as the planted dome supports pollinators and other small wildlife.
3. Community value, since Domes can be built in public spaces, schoolyards, or shared gardens, sparking awareness and collective care for wildlife.

Most importantly, a Hedgehog Dome shows a commitment to long-term coexistence. It is not a quick fix, but a lasting contribution to hedgehog conservation.