WITH bonfire night fast approaching, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) is urging people that bonfires should not be built until the day they are to be lit to save hedgehogs and other wildlife from suffering.

Fay Vass, chief executive of BHPS, said: 'If material is stored on open ground in advance of having a bonfire, it's crucial to dismantle it and move it to another spot just before lighting.

'Ensure it's moved to clear ground — never on top of a pile of leaves as there could be a hedgehog underneath — and not too close to pampas grass which can ignite very easily and is another favourite spot for hedgehogs to hide under.'

If, while building, a bonfire is left unattended for however short a time, it's imperative to check for young children, hedgehogs and other animals, including family pets, before lighting.

Hedgehogs tend to hide in the centre and bottom two feet of the bonfire. Check by gently lifting the bonfire section by section with a pole or broom. Listen for a hissing sound as this is the noise they make when disturbed.

Fay said: 'If hedgehogs are found, take as much of the nest as you can and place them in a high-sided cardboard box with plenty of newspaper or old towelling. Ensure there are air holes in the lid and that the lid is secured firmly to the box, as hedgehogs are great climbers.

'Ideally wear garden gloves so as not to get human smells on them and to keep calm as hedgehogs are easily stressed. Put the box in a safe place such as a shed or garage well away from the festivities, offer specialist hedgehog food or meaty pet food and water. Once the bonfire is totally dampened down, release the hedgehog under a hedge, bush or behind a stack of logs.

'When lighting your bonfire, in case you have missed anything, light the fire from one side only and keep people away from the unlit side so that any hedgehogs can hopefully escape in peace.'

For free advice and information on hedgehogs, contact the BHPS on 01584 890801 or visit http://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk">www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk