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Households across the UK have been warned not to build bonfires on Monday for a very important reason.
While Bonfire Night will see households up and down the country lighting fireworks, setting up bonfires and gobbling up delicious parkin and hot chocolate, wildlife experts are urging Brits not to build their bonfire before the big day.
The problem is, if you set up your bonfire – building a pile of logs, adding some leaves and kindling, and getting it all ready to light up on Tuesday, November 5, or another day this week, you run the risk of torching some wildlife.
Ecologists at Arbtech have warned households that a lot of animals take shelter in bonfires, such that they are the perfect size and shape to hide inside when it’s cold and wet out, so if you build your bonfire early you risk killing wildlife trapped inside.
They said: “For wild animals like birds, squirrels and hedgehogs the dangers can be serious.
“Loud explosions from firework displays can cause birds to take off in fright during the night, abandoning their nests and leaving their young to starve or be vulnerable to predators.
“For animals like squirrels and hedgehogs, the loud noises from fireworks can startle them and cause them to run from their shelter and into roads which can be dangerous.”
Andrew Ward from Arbtech says: “It’s important to consider wildlife and their habitats in your Bonfire Night celebrations this year.
“There’s a few steps you can take, especially if you are hosting an event, that can be pivotal to their wellbeing.
“Building your bonfire as close to the event as possible is a big help first of all. This can help to ensure no animals have taken shelter in it. But if you are unable to build on the day and have to do so beforehand, make sure to have a good rummage through to make sure there’s no wildlife hiding inside.
“Putting your bonfire in a clear area away from any trees or habitats is important as well, and this applies to compost heaps too.
“And always make sure any bonfires are put out completely and check for any debris that may have been left out such as sparklers.”
Build your bonfire on the day
Building your bonfire on the day of the event can help to ensure that no wildlife has entered it and taken shelter. If this is not possible, make sure to have a good rummage through your bonfire before setting it alight.
Pick a safe and clear location
Making sure you build your bonfire in a clear space away from any trees or habitats is important so it causes as little disturbance as possible for wildlife. This includes being away from any compost heaps as well which can be a haven for wildlife.
Create safe shelters
If you want to go the extra mile, you can create safe havens in your garden for wildlife. These can include the likes of a hedgehog house in a quiet spot to give animals a safe location to hibernate through the winter.
Clear any leftover debris
Clearing your garden of any leftover debris after the celebrations can also be a huge help to animals who may mistake items for food. This includes removing any sparklers or used fireworks that may have landed in your garden.
Make sure your bonfire is put out properly
Making sure any bonfires are extinguished properly is important to prevent any fires from spreading and damaging larger areas of habitat. Embers from your bonfire can also stay hot for days, which could pose a threat to wildlife looking for shelter.
Be aware of your environment
Fireworks must not be set off near livestock or horses in fields, or close to buildings housing livestock. Anyone planning a firework display in a rural area should warn neighbouring farmers in advance.
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