Sir, – Doubtless everyone knows that pets should be kept indoor on bonfire night to avoid being terrified by the noise of fireworks. However, wild animals also suffer at this time of year, and none more than hedgehogs.
These wonderful animals, which help to ensure that our gardens are not totally destroyed by slugs, find a pile of wood or leaves the ideal place to hibernate. And so it is if it remains undisturbed until spring, but if it is set on fire they cannot escape and are roasted alive.
So please, do not store stuff for a bonfire in the place where it is to be burned but move it to its final position as late as possible before setting it alight.
More information can be found at britishhedgehogs.org.uk PATRICIA TRICKER Yoredale Natural History Society, Arrathorne, Bedale
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