Have Fun But Be Wildlife Aware this Bonfire Night

As well as being careful when handling fireworks let’s be wildlife aware too!

According to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) many hedgehogs suffer unnecessarily on bonfire night, they are urging the public to wait and build their fire on the day the bonfire is due to be lit, or at very least thoroughly check your bonfire pile before lighting. This can be done easily by moving the pile do a slightly different location for lighting.

When the pile is left unattended hedgehogs can sneak in and make a bed in what looks like the perfect hotel to them, they like to get snuggled up in the center bottom of the pile so to check we could just gently prod the fire with a broom using a torch if it’s dark, listen out for the hissing sound hedgehogs tend to make when disturbed.

If you would like to protect any hedgehogs found when checking the bonfire until the night is over, remember to wear gloves and take as much of their nest with you when you pick them up, keep them in a high sided box with a lid with holes in use lots of newspaper or old sheets as bedding and move this to a safe quiet place, they may eat some meaty cat or dog food and fresh water in a bowl

Once the fire is out – When releasing the hedgehog, leave them with their food and water and do so under a hedge or in another discreet area around the garden such as behind some logs or bushes

Organised bonfire events are a safer choice not just for us, also for the wildlife

Don’t know who to call when you find an injured hedgehog?

British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) can help – 01584 890801