Remember, remember…to check for hedgehogs

 

If you’re planning a bonfire on November 5 it is important to remember to check for wildlife including hedgehogs before setting them alight.

Many animals are injured or die every year as a result of people not checking their bonfire pile before lighting it. To hedgehogs and other small animals bonfires look like a great place to shelter so many crawl into the wood piles to hibernate.

If you are building a large bonfire in advance you can protect it by putting one metre high chicken wire around the bottom. Hold the wire in place with stakes that it slopes outwards at an angle. This makes it difficult for wildlife to climb.

If you do find a hedgehog, wear garden gloves and take as much of the nest as you can and place it in a high-sided cardboard box with plenty of newspaper. Ensure there are air holes in the box and that the lid is tightly secured.

Make sure you put the box in a safe place along with some meaty cat/dog food and fresh water. Once the bonfire is completely dampened down, release the hedgehog under a hedge, bush or behind logs with more food and water.

Information with thanks to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk.