Bonfire Night is just days away, with fireworks displays and parties returning to many cities after the Covid pandemic saw most of the big events shelved in 2020 – although others may opt for more low-key events, hosting their own fireworks and bonfires at home.
While it’s a fun evening for many, there can be risks involved to animals, with wildlife experts warning that nocturnal animals could be particularly at risk from bonfires.
One species which you need to be extra careful of at this time of year is hedgehogs, who are particularly prone to becoming trapped in bonfires.
Just why might this be the case – and how can you do your bit to protect hedgehogs this Bonfire Night?
Why are hedgehogs at risk from Bonfire Night?
Bonfire Night is a particular problem for hedgehogs as they might mistake the log piles which make up bonfires for shelter, while they are moving around at night.
This in turn can lead to them becoming trapped inside the bonfire once it is lit.
Hedgehogs are already on the Mammal Societies’ Red List of endangered animals, with numbers of the animals having halved in the UK since 2007.
There are now thought to be less than a million hedgehogs left in the country.
How can you protect hedgehogs on Bonfire Night?
The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent harm to any roaming hedgehogs this Bonfire Night.
For example you could build a ‘hedgehog highway’ – a gap in your fence of around five inches which allows the creatures to move between your garden and your neighbour’s.
You should also check your bonfire for any hedgehogs which might have crawled inside – remember to check each section by gently lifting it with a pole or broom, as hedgehogs could be hiding in the centre, and shining a torch inside.
Listen out for a hissing sound – which is the noise a hedgehog makes when it’s disturbed – as you check.
It might also be a good idea not to assemble your bonfire until shortly before you plan to light it. Fay Vass of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, said: ‘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.’
If you do build it in advance. the BHPS advises putting chicken wire all the way round the foot of the bonfire.
This should be at least a metre in height and slope outwards to make it harder for hedgehogs to climb in.
If you do come across a hedgehog hiding in your bonfire, the Society advises that you should place it in a cardboard or plastic box with high sides – as hedgehogs are very good climbers – filled with towels or old newspaper, and topped with a secure lid with air holes.
You should place the box as far away from the bonfire as possible, with hedgehog food or pet food and water.
Once you have finished with the bonfire, release the hedgehog safely under a hedge or bush, or near a log pile.
MORE : Bonfire Night 2021: Silent and low noise fireworks displays in the UK
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