The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) is calling on Isle of Wight residents to take extra care this Bonfire Night, urging everyone to ‘Look Before You Light’ to help protect hedgehogs and other wildlife.
The charity has launched a national awareness drive reminding people that bonfire piles can appear to hedgehogs as ideal winter shelters, often with fatal consequences once the fire is lit.
Fay Vass, Chief Executive of BHPS, has said:
“Our new campaign reminds people to #RememberHedgehogs and help keep the wildlife living in our gardens safe – especially at this time of year.
“A bonfire pile looks like a perfect ready-made home to a hedgehog seeking a safe winter nest to hibernate in. So please look before you light – hedgehogs have no idea of the danger they’re in.
“Taking just a few extra minutes to consider your actions can save the lives of hedgehogs, other wildlife and pets.
“It’s vital to spread the word and #RememberHedgehogs at this time of year – let’s give them the best possible chance to escape the danger of a lit bonfire that they’ve mistaken for a safe haven.”
The charity is encouraging people to follow 3 simple steps – Stop, Move and Check – to help reduce the risk of injury or death to wildlife this November.
• Stop – before building a bonfire, consider whether it’s really necessary. Attending a community display or celebrating in a different, wildlife-friendly way can significantly reduce the number of bonfires – and the potential casualties.
• Move – if you do choose to have a bonfire, build it on the day you plan to light it. Always move materials to a fresh site just before burning, as hedgehogs and other animals may already be hiding inside the pile.
• Check – before lighting, inspect the heap thoroughly for wildlife and pets. Shine a torch, gently lift sections with a broom or pole, and listen carefully for the huffing sound of a hedgehog. Avoid using garden forks or spades which could cause serious harm.
The BHPS hopes Islanders will share the message with family, friends and community groups in the run-up to Bonfire Night, helping to ensure that celebrations are safe for both people and wildlife across the Isle of Wight.
We must look after the wildlife that visit our gardens as we cannot afford to loose the life of just one hedgehog due to their numbers diminishing dramatically over the last 30 years, so I cannot emphasize more. PLEASE CHECK BEFORE LIGHTING YOUR BONFIRE as these great little friends are now on the lookout for a place to hibernate for the winter months.