Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has urged people in Stone to look out for hedgehogs before lighting their bonfires this Guy Fawkes night.
At this time of year many animals, including hedgehogs, go into hibernation, with unlit bonfires providing a perfect refuge.
To ensure hedgehog safety, members of the public are being urged to follow these simple guidelines before building their bonfire:
– Build your bonfire as close to the night of your event as possible.
– If possible, dismantle your stack and re-build the bonfire just prior to lighting.
– Use broom handles to carefully lift the base of the bonfire and shine torches looking and listening for any signs of life.
– Move any hedgehogs you find to a ready-made hedgehog box, or somewhere dry and safe away from the fire.
Hedgehog numbers are now sadly in decline in the UK due to factors such as pesticide use and loss of habitat due to development. In addition to the risk posed by bonfires, our prickly garden pals are under increasing threat from motorists. Figures suggest 16% of all animals killed on the road are hedgehogs, around 50,000 every year.
Dr. Sue Lawley, head of living landscapes at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust said:“Whilst their spines may protect them from predators such as foxes, they are little defence against cars. As well as checking your unlit bonfires, I urge people to be careful while driving, especially at night, to try and reduce the number of hedgehog deaths on our roads.”
For any further advice contact the Trust on 01889 880100, or email info@staffs-wildlife.org.uk
