Nantwich’s ‘Hedgehog Champion’ has issued a plea to residents to check their bonfires before lighting them.
It follows a rise in the number of burn injuries suffered by hedgehogs that use bonfires as shelter.
Jack Riggall, who volunteers as the area’s Hedgehog Champion, said: “At this time of year, hedgehogs are looking for secure places to spend the winter in hibernation.
“Pre-prepared bonfires represent a good opportunity for them to outlast the harsh weather until Spring.
“As a result, every year, hedgehogs can perish when these piles are lit.”
Numbers of hedgehogs have been declining for some time, with a 50% drop in the past 25 years.
Jack, who studies Conservation & Wildlife Management at Reaseheath College, added: “A small thing that everyone can do for hedgehog conservation, is to check the pile for hedgehogs before lighting, or better yet make certain they are not present by moving the pile.”
(Pic courtesy of British Hedgehog Preservation Society)
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