Warwickshire Wildlife Trust has today appealed to everyone who is going to celebrate Bonfire Night to take steps to safeguard hedgehogs. There is a danger that hedgehogs may have taken up home in bonfires that have been piled up in advance for setting alight on 5 November. Sadly they could be roasted alive unless people cheek their fires first.

Andrew Thompson. the Trust's Conservation Manager, said:

"Hedgehogs find piles of branches and leaves very attractive as potential homes for their winter hibernation. It is very important that any bonfires are checked before they are set alight. Ideally bonfire material should be moved a few hours before it is set alight."

He added:

"If anyone does find a hedgehog it is best to put it in some dry leaves, or other bedding, in a safe place such as under a garden shed."