But don't forget the hedgehogs and other wildlife says 'SW15 Hedgehogs'

Bonfire log piles make ideal homes for many animals including hedgehogs who have not developed a fight or flight response to potential threats, reacting instead by curling into a ball when exposed to danger. It is difficult giving an exact figure on how many hedgehogs are killed in bonfires each year but what is known is that death from bonfires are a contributing factor to their rapid decline; today there are less than a million hedgehogs in the United Kingdom, a loss of over 29 million since the 1950’s.

Ideally re-siting the entire bonfire just before being lit offers the best solution to avoiding injury or death to wildlife taking shelter amongst the wood but this is not always practical, particularly for public events. By implanting the simple measures set out below our local wildlife can be protected on Bonfire Night and whenever using a bonfire:

• Reposition bird and animal feeders left on the ground away from the bonfire site for at least a week before building a bonfire
• Large bonfires that cannot be lit straight away will be safer and less inviting to wildlife if using a mesh fence such as chicken wire, secure at the base of the woodpile and with an overhang around the bonfire acting as a barrier.
• Use broom handles to lift the bonfire up and torches to check underneath wood whilst listening carefully for any signs of life. Check, check and check again.
• Lighting the bonfire at one side rather than all round may provide a brief means of escape for any animals resting inside the bonfire.
• Ensure bonfires or fireworks are not lit close to over-hanging trees and bushes. Pin Catherine Wheels to posts instead of tree trunks.
• Provide alternative accommodation such as a waterproof box laden with fresh straw, leaves and/or shredded paper for any visiting animals.
• Have a blanket and bucket of water available in case you need to put out the fire or an animal on fire
• Contact the RSPCA Putney Animal Hospital on 0300 123 0716 should you find an injured wildlife casualty.
• Ensure the bonfire is out, or safe before leaving it – a large bonfire will produce a pile of ash that could be hot for days afterwards, potentially harming wildlife.
• Please pass on this information to others, it could save lives.

SW15 Hedgehogs give community and school talks, hold a weekly information stall and attend local events where possible such as Wimbledon and Putney Commons Open Day and school fates, all in t e hope we can get the message across that hedgehogs need are help. On Saturday 3rd November we are holding our first 'Hedgehog Afternoon' for local people as a fun way to learn all things hedgehog.

Jackie Underwood-Hall
SW15 Hedgehogs

October 29, 2018