Households across the UK have been warned not to build bonfires on Monday for a very important reason.

As Bonfire Night will see households across the country setting off fireworks, lighting bonfires and wolfing down delicious Parkin and hot chocolate, wildlife experts are urging Brits not to light their bonfires before the big day.

The problem is that if you start your bonfire – by building a pile of logs, adding leaves and kindling, and preparing it to light on Tuesday, November 5 or another day of the week – you run the risk to burn some of them. wildlife.

Environmentalists Arbtech have warned households that many animals take shelter in bonfires, so they are the perfect size and shape to hide inside when it is cold and wet. So, if you light your bonfire early, you risk killing the wildlife trapped inside.

They said: “For wild animals like birds, squirrels and hedgehogs, the dangers can be serious.

“The loud explosions from fireworks can cause birds to fly away in fright at night, abandon their nests and leave their young to starve or be vulnerable to predators.

“For animals like squirrels and hedgehogs, the loud noises from fireworks can frighten them and cause them to flee from their shelter onto roads which may be dangerous.”

Andrew Ward of Arbtech says: “It’s important to consider wildlife and their habitats during your Bonfire Night celebrations this year.

“There are a few steps you can take, especially if you are hosting an event, that may be essential to their well-being.

“First of all, building your bonfire as close to the event as possible is a big help. This can help ensure that no animals have taken shelter there. But if you can’t build on the day and have to do it in advance, be sure to search carefully to make sure no wild animals are hiding inside.

“It’s also important to set up your bonfire in an open area, away from any trees or habitat, and this also applies to compost piles.

“And always make sure any bonfires are completely extinguished and check for any debris that may have been left behind, like sparklers.”

Build your bonfire the same day

Building your bonfire on the day of the event can help ensure that no wild animals enter and take refuge there. If this isn’t possible, be sure to dig through your bonfire before lighting it.

Choose a safe, open area

It is important to ensure that you light your bonfire in an open area, away from any trees or habitat, so that it causes as little disturbance to wildlife as possible. This also includes staying away from any compost piles that may provide a refuge for wildlife.

Create safe shelters

If you want to go further, you can create safe havens in your garden for wildlife. These may include a hedgehog house in a quiet location to give the animals a safe place to hibernate during the winter.

Clear away any remaining debris

Cleaning your yard of any debris left after the celebrations can also be a big help to animals who might mistake items for food. This includes removing any used sparklers or fireworks that may have landed in your yard.

Make sure your bonfire is properly extinguished

It is important to ensure that all bonfires are properly extinguished to prevent any fires from spreading and damaging larger areas of habitat. The embers of your bonfire may also stay hot for days, which could pose a threat to wildlife seeking shelter.

Be aware of your surroundings

Fireworks should not be lit near livestock or horses in fields, or near buildings housing livestock. Anyone planning a fireworks display in a rural area should notify neighboring farmers in advance.