With Bonfire Night just around the corner, animal safety advocates are rallying for the protection of hedgehogs and other wildlife as celebrations commence. Across Worcestershire, families are being urged to carefully check their unlit bonfires for any unsuspecting hedgehogs seeking shelter.
Local homebuilder, Barratt Homes, has partnered with the nationwide initiative Hedgehog Street, run by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES). They aim to spread awareness and educate residents on the importance of inspecting bonfires before igniting them. Such precautions are more important than ever as reports indicate rural hedgehog populations have suffered devastating declines—by as much as 75%—over the last two decades.
Hedgehogs, now classified as "Vulnerable" by the Red List for Britain’s Mammals, face threats from habitat loss, agricultural changes, and increasing human development. It is imperative for communities to take action to safeguard these beloved creatures. Adrian Evans, managing director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, emphasized their commitment to wildlife preservation. He said, “It’s extremely important to us when building new communities to create spaces where wildlife can thrive.”
Grace Johnson, the hedgehog officer for Hedgehog Street, warned, “Bonfire Night is a favorite tradition for many, but it poses serious risks to hedgehogs who mistake the bonfire for a cozy nest.” To prevent tragedies, she suggests constructing bonfires on the day they are to be lit. “This way, animals are less likely to take refuge,” Johnson added.
Before lighting up those bonfires, here are some practical tips to protect hedgehogs and other wildlife:
- Build bonfires close to lighting time: This minimizes the chances of animals moving inside.
- Check thoroughly: Examine the bonfire for hedgehogs before lighting it, taking care to look around the base and inside.
- Use barriers: Surround the bonfire with old tires or similar materials to deter animals.
- Light from one side: This allows any trapped wildlife to escape before the fire spreads.
- Move bonfires to clear ground: This should be done just before ignition to minimize risk.
These steps will significantly reduce the potential harm to hedgehogs and other creatures, ensuring they can survive the night unscathed.
The advice aligns with the findings from the State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2022 report, which stresses the dire state of hedgehog populations. The report revealed alarming statistics: hedgehogs are gradually disappearing from our gardens and countryside, with fewer than one million remaining across the UK.
Besides ensuring hedgehogs' safety during the Bonfire Night festivities, residents are encouraged to contribute to hedgehog conservation year-round. Simple actions like creating "Hedgehog Highways"—small gaps, about 13 cm square, in garden fences—can facilitate movement between gardens. Such passages help hedgehogs hunt for food, find shelter, and search for mates more easily.
Setting up leaf piles and compost heaps also provides natural habitats for hedgehogs, giving them safe spaces to nest and rest. Plus, leaving shallow dishes of water is another way to support wildlife. Johnson notes, "Logging hedgehog sightings on our interactive BIG Hedgehog Map helps researchers understand their distribution and health, driving conservation efforts.”
Local MP, Ms. Mayer, has echoed these calls, appealing to the community to support hedgehogs. She highlighted the worrying trends affecting their populations, remarking, "This is my second call to arms to protect our prickly nocturnal friends. Hedgehogs are facing significant challenges; we need to do everything we can to protect them."
On Bonfire Night, as families gather to celebrate with fireworks and festivities, taking these small yet impactful precautions can make a huge difference. Community awareness is key to protecting these vulnerable creatures. Instead of just enjoying the fires, let's cherish and protect the natural wildlife around us.
Hedgehog Street has compiled extensive resources for those wanting more information and additional tips for hedgehog-friendly living. Their suggestions extend beyond just Bonfire Night, providing guidance on best practices for maintaining wildlife-friendly gardens throughout the year.”
For more details and insightful recommendations, residents can visit www.hedgehogstreet.org
These actions reflect not only our responsibility but also our connection to the environment. Every small effort contributes to the survival of hedgehogs and other wildlife nesting close to our homes. So as you prepare for Bonfire Night, take the time to look for our prickly friends and help them stay safe.
