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Remember Remember Hedgehog's in November
Every year an unknown number of hedgehogs die or suffer horrific
injuries because of the bonfire
piles are not being checked before being lit. To save hedgehogs and other
wildlife from appalling suffering the British Hedgehog Preservation
Society (BHPS) urges that bonfires should not be built until the day
they are to be lit. This will not only save wildlife from burning to
death but will also stop the bonfire from getting soaked should it rain
the night before! . It is crucial to dismantle and move bonfire material
that has been stored in advance on open ground. Move it to another spot
just before lighting. Ensure it’s moved to clear ground - never on top
of a pile of leaves as there could be a hedgehog underneath, and not too
close to pampas grass which can ignite very easily and is another favorite spot for hedgehogs to hide under.
Never use a spade or fork as these can stab them. Using a torch will
help and listen for a hissing sound, as this is the noise they make when
disturbed. If hedgehogs are found, take as much of the
nest as you can and place them in a high-sided cardboard box with plenty
of newspaper/old towelling. Ensure there are air holes in the lid and
that the lid is secured firmly to the box, as hedgehogs are great
climbers.
Please Wear garden gloves so as not to get human smells on them and it's to minimize
stress caused to the hedgehog, also, it protects your hands from their
spikes. Put the box/Boxes in a safe place such as a shed or garage well away
from the festivities, as fireworks can terrify them, and offer them
meaty cat or dog food and fresh water to drink. Once the bonfire is
totally dampened down, release the hedgehog under a hedge, bush or
behind a stack of logs with more food and water.
Going to an official organized fireworks display is a far safer option
for both humans and animals. For free advice and to obtain the names of
carers in your area in advance of bonfire night, contact the BHPS on
01584 890 801.
So A Quick Recap
Build your bonfire on the day it will be lit, putting the pile of
material next to the bonfire site and rebuilding before lighting it if
necessary.
Make sure that you build the bonfire on clear ground,
never on top of a pile of leaves or near to a pampas grass – both are
good hiding places for hedgehogs
If you are unable build the fire
on the day of lighting, use a broom handle to check the bonfire by
gently lifting section by section and using a torch to look for
hedgehogs, whilst listening for any movement
If a large bonfire
has to be built in advance, prevent hedgehogs from getting in by putting
chicken wire one metre high all the way around the bottom.
Please Please Check them Bonfires before lighting them your be saving a hedgehogs life.
Or this will happen and there be no hedgehogs in the wild and go
extinct which is something we dont want
Best Wishes
Have a Great Evening
Ryan
