Essex wildlife centre urges checks before lighting bonfires

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 23:33 · Archive

An Essex wildlife rescue centre is urging residents to check bonfire piles for hedgehogs and other animals before lighting them this Bonfire Night.

Wildlives Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Thorrington is urging residents to check bonfire piles for wildlife before lighting them this Bonfire Night. The Essex wildlife rescue centre warns that hedgehogs and other small creatures often make their homes underneath gathered bonfire materials, attracted by the warmth and shelter.

Rosie Catford, founder of Wildlives, said that if a bonfire is lit without being disturbed first, animals can become trapped, overcome by smoke inhalation or suffer severe burns. She explained: 'Once the fire is lit, there is no chance of escape and they will be burnt alive.'

Catford urged residents planning bonfires to move their gathered materials before setting light to them, build them on the day, or check thoroughly for any wildlife before lighting. She said 'a little consideration can make a huge difference' for wildlife this Bonfire Night.

Catford also raised concerns about wider pressures on wildlife, saying: 'Our wildlife is already under immense pressure from climate change and drought. Don't let your celebration add to that stress or kill more wildlife.'

Wildlife advice recommends lighting the bonfire from one side only, giving any animals missed during initial checks a final chance to escape before the fire takes hold.

Essex wildlife centre urges checks before lighting bonfires — Image: Brentwood Guardian

Comments (0)

How it is being reported

Wildlife centre urges residents to check bonfires before lighting themEssex wildlife rescue centre Wildlives urges residents to check bonfire piles for hedgehogs and other animals before lighting them this Bonfire Night.Brentwood Guardian · 4 Nov, 17:00
Wildlife centre urges residents to check bonfires before lighting themEssex wildlife rescue centre Wildlives urges residents to check bonfire piles for hedgehogs and other animals before lighting them this Bonfire Night.Colchester Gazette · 4 Nov, 17:00
Wildlife centre urges residents to check bonfires before lighting themEssex wildlife rescue centre Wildlives urges residents to check bonfire piles for hedgehogs and other animals before lighting them this Bonfire Night.Echo (Basildon) · 4 Nov, 17:00

In this story: Wildlives Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre · Rosie Catford · Thorrington · Essex

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log