hedgehog Houses

Building Hedgehog Houses: Troop 44’s Eagle Scout Project

At the heart of every Eagle Scout project is a passion for service and a commitment to making a positive impact on the community. For Jeremy, a dedicated Scout from Troop 44, that impact extended far beyond his local community—straight into the natural world. Inspired by his research into the declining hedgehog population, Jeremy developed a plan to build safe and cozy homes for these small, spiky creatures. As part of his Eagle Scout project, Jeremy led the design and construction of hedgehog houses to provide shelter and encourage hedgehogs to thrive. He recruited the help of his fellow Troop 44 Scouts to make a difference in the local environment educating his community along the way.

Why Hedgehogs?

Hedgehogs have long been cherished for their endearing appearance and helpful role in ecosystems as natural pest controllers. However, they face significant challenges due to habitat loss, traffic accidents, and the increasing use of pesticides. As a result, hedgehog populations have dwindled in many areas, and they’ve been designated Germany's Animal of the Year 2024. This honor highlights the need for action to protect and conserve this remarkable species. Jeremy’s research revealed the importance of creating safe environments where hedgehogs can hibernate, nest, and find food.

The Project

Jeremy’s project idea was simple but impactful: build hedgehog houses that could provide shelter for these nocturnal creatures, especially during the colder months. With this goal in mind, Jeremy set to work planning, gathering materials, and coordinating with his fellow Scouts to make the project a reality.

Troop 44’s Scouts worked together to build houses that would meet the hedgehogs' needs. The homes needed to be safe, durable, and weather-resistant—protecting the hedgehogs from predators and the elements. After gathering the necessary materials, they constructed multiple hedgehog houses and placed them in strategic locations around the community.

Steps to Build a Hedgehog House

If you're interested in helping hedgehogs in your own neighborhood, you can build your own hedgehog house! Below, we've outlined the simple steps Jeremy and Troop 44 Scouts followed to construct their cozy homes in a PDF file.

Place the Hedgehog House
Choose a quiet, secluded spot in your garden or yard. The house should be placed in a sheltered area, preferably surrounded by bushes or shrubs, to provide additional protection from predators.

Monitor the Hedgehog House
Once the house is in place, watch for signs of hedgehogs using it. You may not see them often since they are nocturnal, but they’ll appreciate the shelter!

Conclusion

Jeremy’s Eagle Scout project not only provided vital shelters for local hedgehogs but also raised awareness about their declining numbers and the steps we can take to protect them. By building hedgehog houses, Troop 44 Scouts were able to make a direct and lasting impact on the environment—and they hope others will be inspired to do the same.

We can all contribute to the preservation of this iconic species by taking small actions like building hedgehog houses, planting wildlife-friendly gardens, and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals. Together, we can create a safer world for hedgehogs and many other creatures that share our planet.

Download the Instructions
If you're ready to take on this simple, fun, and impactful project, download the detailed instructions for building a hedgehog house below. Whether you're a Scout, a nature lover, or just someone who wants to help, these houses are a great way to give hedgehogs a safe and warm place to call home.

[Download Hedgehog House Instructions PDF]