Hedgehogs and Bonfires

In the autumn, hedgehogs begin to look for places to hibernate and unlit bonfires make the ideal home. To help protect hedgehogs and other animals please take the time and follow these guidelines when building your bonfire which could save many hedgehogs from an unnecessary death:

• Build the bonfire as close to the date of your bonfire event so there's less chance of a hedgehog or hibernating animal moving in.
• Make your pile of materials for the bonfire close to the bonfire site and rebuild/stack on the bonfire site a few hours before lighting it.
• Search the bonfire for hibernating creatures using a torch and rake before starting the fire.
• Move any hedgehogs found to somewhere safe and dry away from the fire.

After bonfire night, why not think about making your garden hedgehog friendly. Hedgehogs are a great friend to gardeners and natural pest killers. They will feed on slugs, snails, beetles, worms and caterpillars. Try not to give them bread and milk which has been a popular meal in the past as this can cause indigestion problems for the hedgehogs and avoid using slug pellets in your garden. In addition to feeding them, you can help make snug homes for them by keeping areas of long grass, building small piles of logs or leaves.

Any queries relating to animal welfare such as injured hedgehogs should be directed to your local RSPCA office. Telephone 0300 1234999 or visit www.rspca.org.uk Opens in a new window

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society can also provide further advice on caring for hedgehogs and encouraging them in the wild and in gardens. Telephone 01584 890801 or visit www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk Opens in a new window

Enjoy your bonfire night!