Remember remember wildlife on bonfire night

 Most birds will be roosting in trees and bushes by early evening, and the wildlife charity is warning that holding firework displays too close to their shelters could disturb them  and potentially harm other urban wildlife.

Although there is no evidence to suggest fireworks cause conservation problems, loud bangs and flashing lights too close could cause birds to move on, and every movement made in the cold weather uses up vital energy supplies.

The RSPB is also asking anyone planning a bonfire or fireworks display in their garden to avoid doing it too close to nest boxes.  Several bonfire night street parties have been planned and while this gives back gardens a break, it could evict bird residents from street trees, building frontages and shrubbery. While the breeding season is over and young birds have long gone, nestboxes may still be in use as winter shelter.

 The RSPB is also asking gardeners to remember hedgehogs as they make the final touches to the perfect bonfire heap. Piles of logs and leaves are the perfect spot for sleepy hedgehogs, and they will usually be buried right at the bottom. The RSPB suggests checking for any prickly residents by gently removing the top layer of twigs and leaves.

 If you do accidentally disturb an active hedgehog nest, carefully replace the material. The hedgehog will soon repair or move the nest elsewhere. If there are young in the nest, avoid touching them. Similarly, if it is a hibernating adult, avoid waking it. Should it wake, you may want to leave it some food nearby until it hibernates again.

 RSPB Wildlife Adviser Richard James says: “If possible, try to have a bonfire and fireworks display without upsetting the wildlife that lives you. Take a look around, note where any nestboxes, thick trees and bushes are that could be a winter shelter for birds.Then try and pick a spot away from them. If you’ve been gradually building a bonfire for a while, carefully check that any hedgehogs haven’t moved in!”

Happy Bonfire Night!