Tools checklist
Building a Hedgehog Dome does not require advanced machinery or expensive tools. With a few simple, sturdy items, you can construct a safe and lasting shelter. This lesson provides a practical overview of what you’ll need, why you need it, and how to prepare before you start.
Essential tools
- Spade or shovel: for digging drainage channels, shaping nest chambers, and covering the dome with soil.
- Garden fork: useful for loosening compacted ground and mixing soil with compost.
- Hand trowel: for smaller, precise work such as shaping tunnels or planting on the dome.
- Bucket or wheelbarrow: to transport soil, gravel, or bark around your site.
- Rubber mallet or hammer: if you’re using bricks or stones, to gently secure them in place without cracking.
- Measuring tape: to check chamber sizes and tunnel length, ensuring the Dome is big enough but not oversized.
- Spirit level (optional): helpful to keep drainage layers and tunnel slopes even.
Helpful extras
- Pruning shears or a saw: for cutting branches or logs to size if using natural wood.
- Gloves: to protect your hands when working with soil, bricks, or sharp tools.
- Protective clothing: sturdy shoes and clothes that can get muddy.
- Planting tools: small rake or dibber for adding seeds and young plants to the dome top.
Safety and preparation tips
- Always lift heavy materials (like stones or soil) with care; ask for help if needed.
- Work slowly and check measurements regularly; precision is more important than speed.
- Keep tools clean and stored safely when not in use, especially if you are building with children or in a public space.
Checklist (printable summary)
✔ Spade / shovel
✔ Garden fork
✔ Hand trowel
✔ Wheelbarrow or buckets
✔ Rubber mallet or hammer
✔ Measuring tape
✔ (Optional) Spirit level
✔ Gloves & protective clothing
✔ Planting tools (for finishing touches)
