Protect hedgehogs this Bonfire Night

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society, which is based in Ludlow and has patrons including Ken Dodd, Ann Widdecombe and Ben Fogle, is urging all householders to check their bonfires before striking a match in a bid to cut the number of hedgehogs that die each year.

Fay Vass, chief executive of the BHPS, said: "With Bonfire Night fast approaching, the BHPS is urging people to build bonfires on the day they are to be lit to save hedgehogs and other wildlife from appalling suffering.

"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 it another favourite spot for hedgehogs to hide under."

The society gives a number of tips to those holding a bonfire:

*If building a large bonfire in advance, protect it with some chicken wire and stakes. The wire should slope outwards from the bottom at an angle making it difficult to climb as hedgehogs are very good climbers.

*Light the bonfire from one side and keep people away from the unlit side so that any hedgehogs can escape in peace.

*If, whilst building, the bonfire is left unattended it is imperative to check for young children, hedgehogs and other animals, including family pets, before lighting.

*As hedgehogs tend to hide in the centre and bottom two feet of the bonfire, check by gently lifting the bonfire with a pole of broom. Never use a spade or fork as these can stab them.

Fay added: "If hedgehogs are found, take as much of the nest as you can and place and place them in a high-sided cardboard or plastic box with plenty of newspaper or old towelling. Ensure there are air holes in the lid and that the lid is secured firmly to the box as hedgehogs are great climbers. Wear garden gloves so as not to get human smells on them and keep them calm as hedgehogs can get easily stressed.

"Put the box in a safe quiet place such as a shed or garage away from the festivities, offer specialist hedgehog food, meaty cat or dog food and water. Once the bonfire is totally dampened down, release the hedgehog under a hedge, bush or behind a stack of logs."