Keeping Wildlife Safe On Bonfire Night 

With Bonfire Night right on our doorstep, it’s only right that we are wrapping up, putting on our cosiest coats and hats and getting prepared to venture out to our gardens, or an extravagant firework display. However you choose to celebrate this Bonfire Night, there are several ways in which we, collectively, can go that extra mile to ensure we keep wildlife and ourselves safe.

This blog aims to focus on ways in which we can keep wildlife safe on Bonfire Night. At Kennedy, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality bird food and the best advice on conservation and keeping wildlife safe. Here, we aim to offer our top tips for keeping wildlife safe on bonfire night, and through the cold, festive months.

Top Tips For Keeping Wildlife Safe On Bonfire Night 

Wherever it may be that you are celebrating this Guy Fawkes Night, we urge you to be conscious of the wildlife that surrounds you, wildlife that doesn’t necessarily appreciate the beautiful displays and roaring fires as much as us.

Move The Bonfire

Whether you are arranging a small family bonfire in your back garden, or you are responsible for a huge fire show in the local park - our first tip is to move the bonfire on the day! Yes, this sounds like a huge inconvenience, we know. Many animals, especially hedgehogs, hide in built-up wooden areas, so your unlit bonfire is the perfect spot.

We know that this may be a disturbing image, but it is a dark reality. We see many distressed and harmed animals crawling out of bonfires once they have been lit. To avoid burning any hidden furry friends, if possible, moving your wood on the day of Bonfire Night exposes any animals before they get hurt.

If you can, build the bonfire on the day to avoid the extra job of moving it!

Move Your Bird Feeders

Another tip that may seem an inconvenience but is ever important nonetheless.  We advise that you move any bird feeders away from the area of the fire, well in advance. Birds need time to become accustomed to their new location, along with all the other wildlife that your bird feed may attract. Placing the feeders well out of reach of the fire, or the heat it emits is a key way of ensuring no birds get confused on bonfire night, and fly close to the fire.

Place The Fire Away From Bushes Or Trees

For safety reasons, of course. But bushes and trees are usually the first places that wildlife chooses to live or hide. Many birds choose to keep themselves warm in foliage during the colder month and just a few sparks can ignite a whole bush or tree.

Avoid Fireworks, Or Choose Silent Ones

Trust us, your cat or dog will thank you for this! If you are wanting to celebrate bonfire night from your own garden, try and avoid buying large and loud fireworks to mark the occasion. Loud noises can quite easily frighten animals to death. Instead, buy silent ones, or watch another display from afar.

Provide Alternate Accommodation

Hedgehogs are on the decline, and so it is an honour to find them in our gardens. To avoid them hiding in bonfires or in places nearby, that can expose them to harm, provide them with alternate homes within your garden! Hedgehog houses are a brilliant way of keeping hedgehogs and other wildlife away from the flames and keeping them safe.

Keeping Pets Safe

Keeping wildlife safe goes beyond the garden. Dogs, cats and other domestic pets are easily scared and distressed on bonfire night and so make sure your home is safe, warm and as soundproof as possible. Staying close to your pets and playing music are ways in which you can make them feel safe. 

Get In Touch

Keeping wildlife safe is something we know a lot about at Kennedy Wild Bird Food! If you need some more advice on keeping wildlife safe, let us know!

You can give us a call today on 01778 342665 or email any concerns to info@kennedywildbirdfood.co.uk.