As Bonfire Night approaches, excitement fills the air with fireworks, bonfires, and gatherings. But amidst the celebration, it's easy to forget about the quiet creatures who may be at risk – hedgehogs. These spiky little animals often seek shelter in piles of leaves, wood, and garden debris, which can become the very bonfires we light up. 

To keep hedgehogs safe and ensure a fun, worry-free evening, here’s what you can do:

Why Hedgehogs Are at Risk

Hedgehogs love to hibernate in hidden, cozy spots, and unfortunately, unlit bonfire piles make the perfect hideaway. If we don’t check these before lighting them, we could unintentionally harm these vulnerable creatures.

Simple Tips to Hedgehog-Proof Your Bonfire Night

Build Bonfires on the Day: To minimize the chance of hedgehogs settling in, create your bonfire on the day of the event. This gives them less time to move in.

Check the Pile Before Lighting: Carefully lift and check the base of the bonfire with a torch or broom to make sure no hedgehogs are nesting inside.

Rebuild the Bonfire: If your bonfire has been sitting for a while, try rebuilding it on the day to ensure no animals have made it their home.

Use Hedgehog-Friendly Barriers: Surround your bonfire with chicken wire or mesh while it's being built to prevent hedgehogs from sneaking inside.

Move Hedgehogs to Safety: If you find a hedgehog, gently move it to a safer area, such as a dense bush or compost heap. Always handle hedgehogs with gloves.