Hidden between the young fruit trees and wild herbs of Carpe Vitam Food Forest in Elim stands something truly special: HedgeHog Hill, the very first prototype of the Hedgehog Dome. This natural hedgehog shelter was designed by Judith Duinkerken, founder of The Hedgehog Program, and built together with local volunteers as part of an ongoing pilot project.
A living structure built with nature
Unlike traditional wooden hedgehog houses, HedgeHog Hill is a living structure. It’s built entirely from natural materials: layers of soil, branches, leaves, and roots, forming an insulated chamber that stays dry, warm, and safe throughout the year. The outer layer is covered with plants and mosses, creating a self-sustaining mini-habitat that blends seamlessly into its surroundings.
This design mimics the conditions of natural hedgehog nests found in the wild, while also supporting soil life, insects, and native vegetation. The result is not just a shelter, but a small ecosystem; one that benefits both the hedgehog and the environment it lives in.
A pilot for observation
HedgeHog Hill serves as the first monitored pilot burrow in the Netherlands. Wildlife cameras are being used to observe how hedgehogs and other small animals interact with the structure over time. The footage and data collected will help refine the burrow’s design for future installations and provide valuable insight into hedgehog behavior in semi-wild environments.
The pilot is part of The Hedgehog Program’s larger mission to create safer, more natural habitats for hedgehogs in a country where their numbers continue to decline.
Join the movement
Would you like to help hedgehogs where you live? You can! Build your own Hedgehog Burrow following our free online course “How to Build a Hedgehog Dome” and register your project with The Hedgehog Program.
Every registered burrow helps us map where hedgehogs are being supported and strengthens the growing network of safe havens for these remarkable animals.
