Remember, remember ...?

In case it has been erased from your memory or you are in desperate denial about the turning of the seasons, there is no  escaping that it is bonfire night this weekend!

The sky will be adorned with that healthy orange glow of bonfires and fireworks and we will all be testing out our vocal chords with chimes of oooohs and ahhhhs!

I for one will probably be snuggled up on my sofa with a hot mug of tea, watching from my upstairs window! I know i sound like a lightweight, but it’s the honest truth. But, this time of year, my thoughts always turn to our garden wildlife snuffling around in amongst the foliage, trying to stay out of harm’s way.

image credit Ben Andrew

Sadly, my garden is a tiny patch of inner city charm with very little space for a bonfire. My Dad always had bonfires at our family home and i have lasting memories of us all stood at the bottom of the garden, our feet frozen but our cheeks warm! Hopefully, I will do the same with my own kids one day.

If you are planning a bonfire this weekend then here are some cool tips to keep your garden wildlife safe:

Try to avoid putting your bonfire or fireworks displays near nest boxes, trees or bushes.   Although birds are not breeding this time of year, a warm nest box is an appealing option for creatures who simply want to shelter from the weather and get a cosy night’s sleep.

As you gather logs for your bonfire, consider where you pile them so as not to give birds and other wildlife a nasty surprise.
Setting off fireworks near nestboxes, trees and bushes is big a no-no.  During the hours of darkness these places become roosting sites so loud bangs and flashing lights could unsettle birds and other animals and cause them to move on.  Every movement made in the cold weather uses up vital energy supplies, so unnecessary travel to find a quieter home could have a detrimental effect.

Keep a look out for hedgehogs, frogs, toads, newts, slow worms, common lizards and grass snakes, who all use log piles to sleep in during winter months.  Log piles and leaves are the perfect places for hibernating hedgehogs, amphibians and reptiles and they will usually be buried right at the bottom so it’s best to build your bonfire on the day you plan to light it to ensure no sleepy guests have moved in.

Of course, we still want you to have fun this weekend, whether you’re off to a fireworks display or having sparklers in your garden, or like me, simply taking it all in from the comfort of your living room!

And it’s super easy to continue helping wildlife even once the bonfire celebrations are over. If you have any unused logs, twigs or leaves piled up in a corner of the garden, they can provide shelter for all sorts of wildlife, including hedgehogs, insects, frogs and toads. 

Happy bonfire night everyone!

For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/hfw