THE approach of the bonfire season is a busy time for a Ludlow based national animal charity and the creatures it tries to help.

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

This will not only save wildlife from burning to death but will also stop the bonfire from getting soaked should it rain the night before.

“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,” said Fay Vass, chief executive of the society.

“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.”

The advice for a large bonfire that has to be built in advance is to put chicken wire at least a metre high around the bonfire.

This should be held in place with stakes and the wire should slope outwards at an angle to make it difficult to climb, as hedgehogs are good climbers.

“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,” added Ms Vass.

"Ensure there are air holes in the lid and that the lid is secured firmly to the box.

"Ideally, wear garden gloves so as not to get human smells on them and to keep them 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."

For free advice and information on hedgehogs, contact the BHPS on 01584 890 801 or see the website at www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk