Five tips to keep hedgehogs safe this Bonfire Night

These animals often seek refuge in unlit bonfires, but go unnoticed when they are set alight.

In preparation for Bonfire Night on Tuesday, November 5, homebuilders Barratt and David Wilson Homes have issued a five-point plan based on advice from Hedgehog Street experts to help keep hedgehogs safe.

They suggest building a bonfire at the last minute to stop any hedgehogs moving in, or moving the entire bonfire to clear ground just before lighting to give hedgehogs a chance to escape.

Hedgehog populations are suffering across the UK (Image: Cate Barrow) Building a barrier around the bonfire using old tyres or other objects can deter hedgehogs from entering.

They also recommend thoroughly checking the bonfire just before lighting, as other animals, including amphibians and reptiles, might also be using the bonfire for shelter.

Finally, lighting the bonfire from one side gives any wildlife that might still be inside an escape route.

Grace Johnson, hedgehog officer for Hedgehog Street, said: "Bonfire Night is a calendar event for many people, but unfortunately bonfires are extremely dangerous to hedgehogs as they don’t realise what looks like an enticing nest will soon be lit.

"Following our top tips is an effective and really easy way to help protect hedgehogs from this threat, along with other wildlife that might also be in the pyre."

According to the State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2022 report, rural hedgehog populations have decreased by up to 75 per cent in some areas since 2000.

The animals are classified as vulnerable to extinction on the Red List for Britain’s Mammals 2020.

Hedgehog Street's experts recommend several ways to help hedgehogs in any garden.

These include making a hedgehog highway - 13cm square gaps in garden fences or walls - to allow hedgehogs access between different gardens while searching for food, shelter, and mates.

They also suggest creating leaf piles and compost heaps for nesting, and encouraging natural insect food with log piles, or providing shallow dishes of water.

People have also been urged to log hedgehog sightings on Hedgehog Street's interactive BIG Hedgehog Map.

This helps researchers and conservationists to understand where hedgehogs have been spotted across the country and how many hedgehog highways have been created.

Helen Lewis, managing director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: "It’s extremely important to us when building new communities that we’re also creating a space for wildlife to thrive.

"We would like to thank Hedgehog Street for sharing these tips, and we hope they can help to keep local hedgehog populations stable."