Northumberland Wildlife Trust is urging North East households to check bonfire piles for hibernating hedgehogs before lighting them this Bonfire Night. With the weather turning cold, wet and dark, hedgehogs may seek shelter in unlit bonfires, putting them at risk.
Why Bonfires Attract Hedgehogs
Geoff Dobbins, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Estates Manager, said: “To a hedgehog looking for a safe place to hibernate, an unlit bonfire can seem like a ready-made-five-star hotel.
“That’s why we urge everyone planning a bonfire to check it thoroughly before lighting it. It only takes a few minutes to inspect and rebuild the pile, but it could save a hedgehog’s life.”
Guidelines for Building a Bonfire
The wildlife charity advises following several steps to protect hedgehogs. Build the bonfire as close to Bonfire Night as possible to reduce the chance of a hedgehog moving in. Make the pile of material next to the bonfire site and rebuild the stack before lighting it. Search the bonfire for hibernating creatures using a torch and rake before starting the fire.
Move any hedgehogs found to a ready-made hedgehog box somewhere dry and safe, away from the fire. Before Bonfire Night, create an alternative home by raking grass cuttings or autumn leaves into a pile a safe distance from the bonfire, so sleepy hedgehogs may choose to sleep there instead.
Helping Hedgehog Numbers
Geoff said: “Hedgehogs are a gardener’s friend, helping to keep pests under control naturally but their numbers are declining and need our help. Creating alternative shelter by leaving piles of logs, leaves and twigs in a quiet corner of the garden can provide valuable hibernation sites.
“And if that means leaving the garden a little untidy over winter, then all the better for wildlife.”
