29 Oct 2007 - Remember, remember to look out for hedgehogs - Evening Telegraph article.
Bonfire night revellers are being asked by a Dundee hedgehog rescue team to look out for the prickly creatures in the run up to November 5th.
The Shanwell Wildlife Rescue Trust in Broughty Ferry has joined forces with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society to get the message across that bonfires can look like top notch accommodation to the creatures.
Chief Executive of the BHPS, Fay Vass, said, "Piles of bonfire material look like five star hotels to a hedgehog in search of a hibernation site.
"It's crucial to dismantle and move bonfire material that has been stored in advance on open ground.
"Move it to clear ground before lighting, 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."
Gareth Norman, trustee of the Shanwell Trust, said, "The public in Dundee and the surrounding areas seem to be quite vigilant, but it always helps to remind people.
"Obviously if a hedgehog is inside the bonfire when it is lit then it will be cremated.
"Hedgehogs have been classified this year as an endangered species so we are just trying to create as safe an environment as possible for them."
According to the BHPS, if a large bonfire does have to be built in advance it should be made hedgehog friendly by putting chicken wire one metre high all the way round the bottom at an angle to prevent the animals climbing over.
Hedgehogs like to hide in the centre and bottom two feet of the bonfire so this area should be checked before lighting by gently lifting this section using a pole or broom rather than a spade or fork and listening for a hissing sound which hedgehogs make when disturbed.
The Shanwell Wildlife Rescue Trust is a recognised charity which was formed in 2004. It rescues and cares for a variety of wildlife from across Tayside and North East Fife. For more information contact Gareth Norman on 07849 184 354 or see www.swrt.ik.com.
The Shanwell Wildlife Rescue Trust in Broughty Ferry has joined forces with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society to get the message across that bonfires can look like top notch accommodation to the creatures.
Chief Executive of the BHPS, Fay Vass, said, "Piles of bonfire material look like five star hotels to a hedgehog in search of a hibernation site.
"It's crucial to dismantle and move bonfire material that has been stored in advance on open ground.
"Move it to clear ground before lighting, 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."
Gareth Norman, trustee of the Shanwell Trust, said, "The public in Dundee and the surrounding areas seem to be quite vigilant, but it always helps to remind people.
"Obviously if a hedgehog is inside the bonfire when it is lit then it will be cremated.
"Hedgehogs have been classified this year as an endangered species so we are just trying to create as safe an environment as possible for them."
According to the BHPS, if a large bonfire does have to be built in advance it should be made hedgehog friendly by putting chicken wire one metre high all the way round the bottom at an angle to prevent the animals climbing over.
Hedgehogs like to hide in the centre and bottom two feet of the bonfire so this area should be checked before lighting by gently lifting this section using a pole or broom rather than a spade or fork and listening for a hissing sound which hedgehogs make when disturbed.
The Shanwell Wildlife Rescue Trust is a recognised charity which was formed in 2004. It rescues and cares for a variety of wildlife from across Tayside and North East Fife. For more information contact Gareth Norman on 07849 184 354 or see www.swrt.ik.com.