Isle of Wight residents are being urged to check their bonfires for sleeping hedgehogs this November, amid fears that the animals could be killed or seriously injured after making their homes inside piles of wood and garden waste.
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) has issued a warning ahead of Bonfire Night on Thursday (5th November), encouraging people to follow a simple 3-step plan to protect vulnerable wildlife.
With hedgehogs seeking safe places to nest and hibernate over the winter months, an unlit bonfire can appear to be the perfect shelter – putting the animals at serious risk when the pile is set alight.
Fay Vass, Chief Executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, has said:
“A bonfire pile looks like a readymade home to a hedgehog seeking a safe winter nest to hibernate in – they have no idea we’re about to set it alight.
“To help spread the word, we’ve commissioned a brand-new design from artist Emily Heaven, and we’d love people to share it with friends, neighbours and local groups.
“Please take the time to help save the lives of hedgehogs, other wildlife and pets this Bonfire Night.”
The charity is asking anyone planning a bonfire to remember 3 simple words – Stop, Move and Check.
Firstly, residents are encouraged to consider whether a bonfire is necessary at all, with attending an organised community event or choosing a wildlife-friendly alternative suggested instead.
For those who do intend to light a bonfire, the advice is to build it on the day it will be lit, moving any previously collected materials to a new, clear site immediately beforehand.
The entire pile should then be carefully checked for wildlife and pets, using a broom or pole to gently lift sections and a torch to look underneath.
People are warned never to use a spade or garden fork to search through the material, as these could seriously injure any animals hiding inside.
Listening for the distinctive huffing sound of a disturbed hedgehog could also help identify whether one is sheltering in the pile.
Bonfires should only be lit from one side, giving any undiscovered animals a chance to escape.
Fay has added:
“This year, we’ve seen the damage and devastation wildfires can cause, so we hope more people than ever will choose not to have bonfires this November – but for those who do, following these steps will help give hedgehogs the best possible chance of escaping unharmed.”
If a hedgehog is discovered inside an unlit bonfire, the BHPS advises carefully lifting it out with its nest, using gardening gloves or a folded towel.
The animal should be placed in a high-sided box containing torn newspaper, towelling or straw, with air holes in a securely fastened lid.
The box should then be kept somewhere safe and quiet, such as a shed or garage, away from the noise and activity of the celebrations.
Meaty cat or dog food, cat biscuits and fresh water can be offered while the animal is temporarily sheltered.
Once the fire’s embers have been completely dampened down later that night, the hedgehog can be released under a hedge, bush or log pile close to where it was originally found, together with its nesting materials and some additional food and water.
The BHPS hopes its #RememberHedgehogs campaign will encourage more people to take a few extra minutes before lighting their bonfires, potentially saving the lives of hedgehogs and other animals.
Further information about protecting hedgehogs this Bonfire Night can be found at www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk.
