How to have a wildlife-friendly bonfire in your garden this year
Bonfire Night is almost upon us, however garden celebrations come at a cost to our local wildlife. From hedgehogs to nesting birds, experts are calling on the public to check their bonfires for wildlife before lighting.
Hedgehogs can be in particular danger when it comes to homemade garden bonfires, as they love to hide in piles of fallen leaves.
'Bonfires appear to hedgehogs to be ideal places for shelter. Made from natural materials like wood and compost and full of small nooks and crannies to crawl into, it's unsurprising that hedgehogs can easily mistake them for habitats,' says a spokesperson from Ark Wildlife.
'It's certainly possible to have a wildlife-friendly bonfire night if the right precautions are taken.'
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Take a look at how you can create one that's safe for small animals...
1. Don't build your bonfire until the day you need it
Preparation is key when you're planning a display. Ensure you build your bonfire on the day you will be lighting it to protect inquisitive animals, such as hedgehogs.
'The longer it's left for, the more likely that a hedgehog will find its way into your bonfire,' say the experts. 'If you need to build your bonfire in advance, make sure you place chicken wire one metre high around the bottom. This should be placed at an outward angle to make it more difficult for hedgehogs to climb.'
2. Always place the bonfire on open ground
Gardens provide essential natural feeding stations and safe havens for many different wildlife species. When creating your bonfire, avoid placing it on a pile of leaves. Check the space thoroughly first; you never know which small animals could be hiding in the warmth.
3. Check before lighting your bonfire
Before you light, check for nesting animals. The Ark Wildlife team advise: 'Always check the entire bonfire for hedgehogs before lighting it. Remember that they tend to hide in the centre and bottom two feet in particular. When checking, lift parts of the bonfire section by section using a pole or broom. Do not use a fork, spade or rake as this may injure a hedgehog.'
Top tip: Use a torch to look inside for a hissing sound. This is the noise hedgehogs will make when they are disturbed or distressed. Remember, always light your bonfire from the corner, instead of the centre, to give any animals the chance to escape if they are still hiding.
4. Have a hose close by
Keep a bucket of water, a hose or sand on hand, just in case. Whether you spot an animal, or need to distinguish the flame for another reason, having fresh water to put the fire out will help you in your time of need.
5. Aim fireworks away from trees
Setting off your own display? Always aim fireworks away from trees as this can wreak havoc on birds' habitats and cause them to feel distressed. Ensure you let them off into an open space.
'Follow the instructions on each firework to set them up and fire them, lighting them at arm's length and then standing well back. Instructions supplied with the firework may also contain disposal advice,' adds Sam Jenkinson, garden building expert at Tiger. 'Ensure fireworks are positioned upwards towards the sky. Never place them at an angle, as they can fly into the direction of homes or sheds.'
And finally, if you do find a hedgehog, The Wildlife Trusts explains: 'Pick it up with gardening gloves, along with any nesting material it may have been sitting in, and place it in a cardboard box lined with newspaper. Relocate the box to a safe location that is far from any fires or wait until the bonfire is over and dampen down the fire site with water before releasing the hedgehog under a bush or a log pile.'
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