Having a bonfire this weekend? Make sure you check for hedgehogs before lighting

The warmth of logs and piles of leaves which make up a bonfire can provide the perfect nesting place for a hedgehog.

But with many preparing to light up fires in their garden's this weekend to celebrate bonfire night , this could prove deadly to those animals have made gardens their home.

Across the UK, hedgehogs are in decline. London Wildlife Trust report of their numbers falling to less than one million from around 30 million in the middle of the 20th century.

In central London, hedgehogs are almost unheard of, with the only recorded breeding population restricted to Regent's Park.

However, here in west London, our gardens remain extremely important homes for hedgehogs, with the berries, insects and slugs enticing them in.

Mathew Firth, Director of Conservation at London Wildlife Trust, said checking for wildlife in your bonfire won't take more than ten minutes.

He said: “At this time of the year hedgehogs are preparing to hibernate, which means they are searching for piles of leaves and wood in which they will take rest for the winter.

"Please ensure none are harmed by your bonfire, and help reverse the decline in London’s hedgehogs.”

Other wildlife charities such as the RSPCA say it is vital to check, to avoid harming hedgehogs.

Wildlife scientific officer, Llewelyn Lowen, said: “Sadly it’s not uncommon for burned hedgehogs to be rushed into our care after they have been caught up in a lit bonfire."

So here are a few simple steps to follow to ensure your bonfire is safe:

How should I prepare my bonfire?

Where possible, bonfires should be built on the day they are intended to be set alight.

Fay Vass, chief executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), said: “If material is stored on open ground in advance of having a bonfire, it’s crucial to dismantle it and move it to another spot just before lighting."

"Ensure it’s moved to clear ground - never on top of a pile of leaves as there could be a hedgehog underneath, and not too close to pampas grass which can ignite very easily and is another favourite spot for hedgehogs to hide under.”

How do I check for Hedgehogs?

If a Hedgehog is hiding in your bonfire, is will most probably be in the centre, towards the bottom.

To check, lift the bonfire section by section with something long, such as a pole or a broom.

Do not use anything with a sharp end like a garden rake as this can stab the hedgehog.

For extra light, use a torch, and listen for a hissing noise. This is the sound they make when they are disturbed.

What if I find a Hedgehog?

The BHPS advise you to place the hedgehog inside a high-sided cardboard box or plastic box with paper lining or towelling.

You should take as much of their nest as possible, and ensure there are air holes in the box and the lid is secure, as hedgehogs are good climbers.

Miss Vass said: "Wear garden gloves so as not to get human smells on them and to keep them calm as hedgehogs are easily stressed - also, it protects your hands from their spikes.

"Put the box in a safe quiet place such as a shed or garage well away from the festivities, offer specialist hedgehog food, meaty cat or dog food and water."

Once the bonfire is completely out, you can release the hedgehog back into your garden, under a hedge or bush.

Organisations like the RSPCA as well as hedgehog lovers have been posting on social media to raise awareness and warn people to check before they light their bonfire.

British Hedgehog Preservation Society patron, Twiggy Lawson urges people to "have fun, but stay safe and keep our wildlife safe too.”

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