Bonfire Night is a wonderful time of year. With autumn upon us and the colder, darker nights drawing in, we get ready for the spectacular firework displays that take place around the country. But with all the excitement of fireworks, sparklers and bonfires, we mustn’t forget the wildlife who have no idea what’s going on and can easily find themselves in serious danger.
Before the fun begins, there are a few simple things you can do to make sure the local wildlife stays safe.
The Crucial Bonfire Safety Sweep
One of our most beloved creatures, the hedgehog, is in particular danger during this time. As the nights get colder, hedgehogs will be looking for a cosy place to snuggle down for the coming winter, and your bonfire pile is a perfect spot for them – well, that is until it’s lit at least.
The good news is that it’s not difficult to keep our hedgehogs safe. The ideal approach is to leave building your bonfire until the day you’re going to light it, so that hedgehogs and other wildlife like frogs, toads and other small mammals don’t have time to move in. However, this isn’t always practical, especially if you’ve built a large bonfire, which is part of the fun on Bonfire Night. If this is the case, carefully examine the bonfire pile, particularly around the base and any sheltered spots. Gently lift up sections of wood or debris where a hedgehog might be hiding, using a torch to check inside any dark spaces. Be careful though, bonfire piles can be unstable, so always stay safe. If it’s possible to carefully dismantle and rebuild the bonfire on the day, this is the safest option, but if not, a thorough check is the next best thing.
If you do come across any of our prickly friends sheltering inside, use a pair of thick gloves to gently pick them up and relocate them to a safe place away from the bonfire site. (You could even build them a home. Check out this article on how to build a hedgehog home if you fancy giving them a proper shelter.)
When it comes to lighting your bonfire, try to start from one side instead of the middle. This gives any wildlife you might have missed time to escape.
Being Mindful with Fireworks
Along with the bonfire, fireworks add to the magic of Bonfire Night. Watching them explode into hundreds of shining lights and various colours is spectacular. However, the loud bangs that accompany them can be frightening and disorienting to wildlife.
When setting off fireworks, try to pick a spot away from any trees, hedges or thick vegetation where birds, bats and other wildlife might be sheltering. The loud bangs and flashes can spook them, and they can become distressed and disoriented. If possible, set off fireworks earlier in the evening and keep displays shorter to minimise disturbance.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
Let’s not forget our dogs, cats and other domestic pets either. They can be just as frightened by the noise and don’t understand what’s going on. Make sure you keep them indoors with the curtains drawn, and it might help to leave the TV or radio on to mask some of the noise.
After the Celebrations
Once the fun has come to an end, don’t forget to collect any firework debris and used sparklers the morning after, as they can be a hazard for foraging animals.
Have a wonderful and safe Bonfire Night, and keep an eye out for your wildlife neighbours!
