Bonfire nights are fun for families, but not so much fun (and potentially fatal) for wildlife. So if you are thinking about building your own bonfire, we urge you to play your part in protecting hedgehogs on bonfire night by taking in to consideration the following advice from The British Hedgehog Preservation Society…
Protecting Hedgehogs on Bonfire Night: Tip #1
Build your bonfire on the day, in order to prevent hedgehogs and other wildlife from being killed.
Protecting Hedgehogs on Bonfire Night: Tip #2
Check your bonfire carefully prior to lighting, as neglecting to do so is the cause of multiple deaths each year*. Hedgehogs will likely be hiding in the centre, towards the bottom.
*The process of checking is relatively simple and can be done by carefully lifting the pile sections with a broom or pole.
Protecting Hedgehogs on Bonfire Night: Tip #3
"If material is stored on open ground in advance of having a bonfire, it's crucial to dismantle it and move it to another spot just before lighting. Ensure it's moved to clear ground – never on top of a pile of leaves, as there could be a hedgehog underneath, and not too close to pampas grass, which can ignite very easily and is another favourite spot for hedgehogs to hide under." ~ Fay Vass, chief executive of the BHPS
What to do if you find one?
If you do so happen to find a hedgehog (or hedgehogs), try to gather as much of the nest as possible and place them carefully and gently into a box with newspaper and towelling*.
*Don’t forget your garden gloves, as it is really important that they don’t get human scents on them. Keep them as calm as possible to minimise stress.
Your unlit bonfire looks like the perfect nest!
Hedgehogs and other species just don’t know that it will be lit. So please do everything you can to save lives this year!
Hambledons: Here to help
We are always mindful of wildlife when carrying out our range of services and are currently very busy with hedge trimming. We always offer a free, no obligation quote and trim to the highest of standards, using the best equipment. We can remind you when to trim, to ensure that your hedges are perfect the whole year round. Get in touch here.
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