Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog Bonfire Safety

Hedgehogs sheltering in bonfire material face death by burning, and simple checking protocols prevent thousands of preventable welfare incidents each autumn.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs seek shelter in garden debris piles, particularly in autumn when hibernation approaches
An estimated 50,000+ hedgehogs die in garden bonfires each year in the UK
Checking bonfires with a torch or a stick before lighting takes less than 5 minutes
Rebuilding bonfires on the day of burning significantly reduces hedgehog shelter occupation
Hedgehogs are most vulnerable from October to December as they seek hibernation sites

Welfare Considerations

Bonfire deaths cause severe acute suffering that is almost entirely preventable with minimal effort. Public awareness of this specific risk can save thousands of hedgehogs annually.

What You Can Do

Always check bonfires carefully with a torch before lighting
Rebuild bonfires in a new location on the day of burning
Spread the bonfire check message through social media during autumn and Guy Fawkes season