Student creates pop-up home for hedgehogs
- By editor
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
An Edinburgh Napier University student’s passion for design has resulted in creating a pop-up home for hedgehogs.
Archie Abbott’s project H.O.G is among those on display at the 2026 ENU Degree Show – alongside work from students across the School of Arts & Creative Industries.
His innovative idea has culminated in a flat-pack shelter to protect hedgehogs from harsh winter weather.
The woven pattern of his prototype was inspired by river-bank structures he noticed while walking his dog.
Archie, who is studying on ENU’s BDes (Hons) Product Design course, said: “At the start I was looking at making something for urban wildlife as a whole – which is something I’ve always been interested in.
“It was only when researching it a bit more that I found out hedgehog numbers have dropped dramatically over the last few decades.
“Their habitats are being destroyed, and they often struggle to find shelter, so I tried to find a practical way to help.”
The 22-year-old from North Berwick identified the threats facing hedgehogs – caused in part by rapid urbanisation. As gardens have become ideal habitats for the creatures, Archie’s idea could help address a decline in numbers.
He painstakingly developed his prototypes through several iterations, as he continued to improve his concept – and the process has shaped his career ambitions.
Archie said: “I wanted to make the product as easy for people to build as possible, by just making it really simple and aiming to educate people at the same time.
“I’m very detail oriented, so finding a little thing that I can change with each version of it was really rewarding.
“Everyone has got their own thing that they're good at and it's made me realise what kind of work I like. I'd like to go into furniture design or perhaps something to do with conservation because of this.”
Showcasing work from across ENU’s School of Arts & Creative Industries, the 2026 Degree Show is being held at the University’s Merchiston campus, until 5 June.
Photography: Edinburgh Napier University, of Archie Abbott