PRESS RELEASE

28 October 2008

CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST’S BONFIRE HEDGEHOG ALERT

‘Watch out for wildlife this bonfire night’ is the advice from Cheshire Wildlife Trust as many wild animals prepare for hibernation, often risking their lives by making a bonfire their bed.

The hedgehog is one of several creatures vulnerable at this time of year as it rustles around finding food in the undergrowth to fatten up for winter, and collects material to make their nests nice and cosy.

It is the hedgehogs’ tendency to climb into bonfires for refuge that puts them in real danger, so the Trust is issuing advice to help care for wild creatures while still enjoying Guy Fawkes celebrations.

Tips to keep hedgehogs and other wildlife safe on bonfire night:

• Build your bonfire as close to November 5th as possible to minimise the chance of a hedgehog moving in.
• Don’t leave gardens too tidy. Leave some leaves out for hedgehogs to collect so they can make their homes elsewhere.
• When collecting material, pile it in one place but build the bonfire in another.
• Don’t forget to check your bonfire before it is lit and move any hedgehogs or other wildlife to a safe dry spot away from the fire.
• Site bonfires on open ground to prevent the risk of burning bushes and indigenous trees.
• If a bonfire has been sitting in the same spot for days, take the time to move the bonfire to another place before lighting.
  

For more information about animal species in Cheshire and to find out more about the work of Cheshire Wildlife Trust please call 01948 820728

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