Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hedgehog Bonfire Safety Welfare

Bonfire building and lighting is a major cause of hedgehog deaths particularly during autumn when hedgehogs are seeking hibernation sites.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs are attracted to bonfire piles as potential hibernation sites particularly in autumn
Building bonfires in advance then moving or lighting without checking kills many hedgehogs each year
Moving bonfire material immediately before lighting to a new cleared site eliminates this risk
Leaving bonfire building until immediately before lighting prevents colonisation
Hedgehog awareness campaigns around Guy Fawkes night have improved public awareness

Welfare Considerations

Bonfire deaths cause acute burning and suffering in hedgehogs that is entirely preventable through simple precautions. The association of bonfire night with hedgehog welfare has raised public awareness but practical behaviour change requires ongoing reminder campaigns.

What You Can Do

Check bonfire material thoroughly for hedgehogs before lighting
Build bonfires on the same day as lighting them or rebuild on cleared ground immediately before lighting
Share bonfire hedgehog safety information on social media before bonfire night each year