Members of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, and the Ross-on-Wye Hedgehog Festival group are urging local residents to check any bonfire they build for signs of the mammals

A pile of garden rubbish is an invitation for a hedgehog, and it may well use it as a nest site. Its reaction to flames and heat, when a fire is lit, is to curl up into a ball which does not work as a survival technique.

If possible, it is best to build any bonfire on the day it is to be burnt, hedgehogs, being nocturnal, would not be around during the day to take up residence. If a bonfire is built in advance perhaps make a pile near to the final site, or better still in a dry place, so it can be reconstructed and fully checked for residents. Alternatively using broom handles or similar try to raise the lower parts of the pile and check inside for hedgehogs, use torches to shine in and listen for sounds too.

The safest option is probably to visit an official bonfire night celebration where lots of safety checks will hopefully be in place for both wildlife and people.

If you should find a hedgehog nesting in your bonfire pile, place it in a high sided box and cover over with some towelling. If it is unharmed provide it with meat-based dog or cat food and water, then release once the embers have died down by putting the box on its side so the hedgehog can come out when it is ready. If you are concerned that it might be injured, or you see any out in the day after bonfire night or at any other time do contact the BHPS for advice.

The middle of November is often the time when hedgehogs will be entering hibernation – weather & weight permitting. Putting out food for those smaller hedgehogs and those disturbed by bonfire night will be much appreciated.

The BHPS has a leaflet about helping autumn juveniles - see their website (address below) for details or e-mail them [email protected] and ask for a copy of the leaflet.

If you are concerned or just need advice about any hedgehogs contact the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, they can give general advice and perhaps details of a local hedgehog rehabilitator that you can contact. Contact them on 01584 890801 or for general advice visit their website www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.