Charity issues warning about hedgehogs on Bonfire Night

With bonfire night fast approaching, a charity has issued safety concerns and a three point plan to protect hedgehogs this November 5.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), a registered UK Charity dedicated to helping and protecting hedgehogs native to the UK, has urged residents to follow their stop, move, check plan.

The BHPS says to first ‘stop’ and consider if you need to have a bonfire or could you attend a community event as the fewer bonfires there are, the fewer wildlife casualties there will be.

Then ‘move’ any collected materials to a new clear site just before burning, in case hedgehogs have decided to hide inside. Before lighting ‘check’ the entire bonfire pile carefully for wildlife and pets by lifting each section with a pole or broom and use a torch to look inside the pile.

Fay Vass, the chief executive of BHPS, commented on how dangerous bonfire night can be for hedgehogs.

“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,” said Vass

THE BHPS also urges that if residents do find a hedgehog they must use gardening gloves or a folded towel to handle them and gather it up with its nest to place it in a box.

“Please take the time to help save the lives of hedgehogs, other wildlife and pets this Bonfire Night,” added the chief executive.