Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog: Bonfire Risks and Garden Safety

Guy Fawkes Night and seasonal garden bonfires pose a serious but preventable risk to hedgehogs, which seek shelter in leaf and wood piles during autumn.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs enter hibernation from October onwards, seeking dry insulated sites
Bonfire material piles are ideal hibernation sites from a hedgehog's perspective
An estimated thousands of hedgehogs die in bonfires each November in the UK
Checking bonfires before lighting takes less than one minute per pile
Rebuilding a bonfire immediately before lighting eliminates nearly all risk

Welfare Considerations

Death in a bonfire involves severe burning and smoke inhalation - an extremely painful and distressing death. Hedgehog populations are declining significantly across the UK, making each individual loss significant. Simple precautions like checking piles or rebuilding them on the day eliminate virtually all risk to these vulnerable animals.

What You Can Do

Build your bonfire on the day it will be lit rather than days in advance
Use a torch to check all bonfire material before lighting
Gently probe the base of piles with a stick before moving materials
Create a dedicated hedgehog log pile away from bonfire areas
Share bonfire safety advice with neighbours and local community groups