November the 5th and our Wilde Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are a UK Biodiversity Plan species in need of greater protection as their numbers are in decline due to a loss of habitat, development pressures, loss of food sources and the careless application of slug pellets.



At this time of year the prickly mammals begin searching out a cosy place to hibernate, and the warm dry refuge of an unlit bonfire makes an ideal spot. To ensure hedgehog’s safety on the 5th of November, follow these guidelines when building your bonfire:



• Build the bonfire as close to the night as possible so there's less chance of a hedgehog moving in; or if you have to build it in advance, surround it with a fine mesh wire fence to keep hedgehogs out.

• Make your pile of material next to the bonfire site and re-build the stack before lighting it.

• Search the bonfire for hibernating creatures using a torch and rake before starting the fire.

• Move any hedgehogs found to a ready-made hedgehog box or somewhere dry and safe away from the fire.

• Before bonfire night make an alternative hedgehog home by raking up grass cuttings or autumn leaves into a pile a safe distance from the fire e.g. under a hedge or behind a shed. Hopefully sleepy hogs will choose to snooze there instead of the bonfire.



Dave Williams, SWT Mammal Projects Officer, said: ‘To a hedgehog looking for a place to sleep, an unlit bonfire is a ready made nest so this time of year is particularly dangerous for them. Please give hedgehogs a helping hand by following our instructions and checking any bonfires before lighting them. It only takes a minute to do but can save hundreds of hedgehogs from being burnt alive.’



Even without the threat of bonfires, hedgehog numbers are in decline. You can also help them out by leaving a corner of your garden untidy as hedgehogs like to nest in dry leaves and piles of logs. The incorrect use of slug pellets can also kill hedgehogs (there are a number of wildlife friendly alternatives) and strimmers can cause awful injuries. You can also help youngsters and the mothers of late summer litters fatten up before hibernation by leaving out dry or tinned meaty pet food (no bread or milk) and water.”