Bonfire Night (Saturday 5 November) is now only days away.
And while it’s a good time for some autumn fun, it’s also a time to think about safety and behaving responsibly. From handling fireworks with care to looking after children, pets and local wildlife.
Surrey Wildlife Trust is particularly concerned about hedgehogs that may be hiding in unlit bonfires. At this time of year the prickly mammals begin searching out a cosy place to hibernate, and the warm dry refuge of an unlit bonfire makes an ideal spot.
So either build your bonfire as close to the night as possible so there's less chance of a hedgehog moving in; or if you have to build it in advance, surround it with a fine mesh wire fence to keep hedgehogs out.
And remember, before you light anything search the bonfire and surrounding area for hibernating creatures using a torch and rake before starting the fire.
Here’s to a happy and safe evening for all.
