Every year, an unknown number of hedgehogs die or suffer horrific injuries because bonfire piles are not checked before being lit.

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

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

Fay Vass, Chief Executive of BHPS said, ‘Piles of bonfire material look like five star hotels to a hedgehog in search of a hibernation site. It is crucial to dismantle and move bonfire material that has been stored in advance on open ground. Move it to another spot 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 a large bonfire has to be built in advance, protect it whilst building by putting some chicken wire one metre high all the way round the bottom.

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

If, whilst 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.

As 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.

Never use a spade or fork as these can stab them.

Using a torch will help and listen for a hissing sound, as this is the noise they make when disturbed.

Fay added, ‘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/old towelling.’ ‘Ensure there are air holes in the lid and the lid is secured firmly to the box, as hedgehogs are great climbers.’ ‘Ideally, wear gloves so as to not get human smells on them and to minimise stress caused to the hedgehog, also, it protects your hands from their spikes.’ ‘Put the box in a safe place such as a shed or garage, well away from the festivities, as fireworks terrify them.’ Once the bonfire is totally dampened down, release the hedgehog under a hedge, bush or behind a stack of logs.’