Consider wildlife before building a bonfire or using fireworks

Fireworks and bonfires are traditional ways to celebrate the colder season for lots of people. However, it’s essential for all of us to consider the impact these activities can have on our wildlife. 

Unfortunately, bonfires become a prime nesting spot for wildlife species, such as hedgehogs. Plus, the debris left behind after a bonfire or firework display poses a risk to both wildlife and pets, who could be injured by it. 

We’re passionate about creating a better life for every animal, whether they’re domestic or wild. So, we’ve created this guide to help you enjoy firework season, while keeping the welfare of wildlife in mind…

Choosing the right location for your bonfire

Select an open space on which to build your bonfire or set up your firework display – ensuring that it’s far away from buildings and there is room for people to stand at a safe distance from it. It’s also important to keep a bonfire or firework display away from trees and hedgerows, to reduce the fire risk, as well as to limit the threat of wildlife disturbance.

Build the bonfire on the day of the event

Building a bonfire more than a day in advance of the event could lead to wildlife discovering it and using it as a place to nest. 

If building the bonfire, or setting up the firework display, on the day of the event isn’t possible, you can try surrounding the base with chicken wire that’s at least one metre high and angled outwards. This makes it difficult for any natural climbers to get inside. 

Check the bonfire before lighting it

Always check the bonfire before lighting. Animals such as hedgehogs tend to nest within the bottom two feet of the pile, near the centre. Gently lift sections of the bonfire with a pole or broom handle, shine a torch inside to spot signs of life, and listen for any animal sounds.  

Even after you’ve checked your bonfire for wildlife, it’s worth lighting the bonfire from one side, in case any wildlife clambered in unnoticed, so they can escape in time. 

You should always make sure there’s plenty of water available, whether in buckets or using a hose, so you can put the fire out immediately if there’s a problem. 

Top tip: Choose silent fireworks – to lessen the stress experienced by wildlife, pets, and other animals, like horses, in reaction to the loud bangs, pops, and fizzles created by normal fireworks.

Here are some simple steps for removing wildlife, like nesting birds, hedgehogs or toads, safely from a bonfire set-up:

Step 1 – Put on a thick pair of gloves. 

Step 2 – As gently as you can, lift the animal out of the woodpile.

Step 3 – Carry the animal to a safe location, far away from the bonfire. 

For hedgehogs, if you’re not able to move them to a safe location, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society advises gently moving it to safety. Place the hedgehog, along with any nesting materials, in a high-sided cardboard box lined with torn newspaper or towels. Ensure the box has air holes and a secure lid, as hedgehogs are excellent climbers. Keep it in a quiet area away from the festivities and if possible, offer the hedgehog some meaty pet food and water. Once the bonfire has cooled completely, release the hedgehog under nearby hedges or logs with its nesting materials.

Top tip: To discourage wildlife from nesting in a bonfire, you could create safe, homely places for them in your garden – visit our article about creating wildlife-friendly spaces to learn more!

Always clean up everything afterwards

Wildlife, pets, and people could end up being harmed by the debris left following a bonfire or firework display. Whether animals get injured from falling fireworks, burn sensitive paws on the embers of a fire, or swallow something inedible, there are many hazards associated with the aftermath of a bonfire or firework-themed event. 

By thoroughly clearing the area and cleaning up after a bonfire or fireworks, you’re keeping wildlife, pets, and people safe.  

For more inspiration on ways to care for wildlife, check out our ‘Tails’ of UK Wildlife campaign – where you’ll discover how even small actions can have a big impact!