Watch out for frogs and toads in your bonfire pile.
It’s that time of year again when we build bonfires, nibble on a toffee apple and make pretty patterns in the air with a sparkler to celebrate Halloween. The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales would just like to remind you of the wildlife which could be hiding in your pile of sticks.
Common Female Toad by Alan Price Gatehouse Studio
In autumn, hedgehogs, frogs, newts and toads search for places to hibernate and piles of wood for bonfires can appear to be ideal hibernating spots. The Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Horticultural Society have teamed up to ask people to have a quick look out for any creatures which could be snuggling in amongst the logs and sticks.
“People tend to check for hedgehogs in the wood they have gathered for their fire,” says Andrew Halstead, Principal RHS Entomologist. “But it is equally likely that toads, frogs and newts will have found shelter in these piles and might be missed. Toads and frogs play an important role as predators in the garden and should be encouraged.”
Both charities advise that fires should be built on the day that they are to be lit. Wood piles can be made before this but the wood should be moved to a clear, debris-free final spot only on the day.
“Amphibians can be encouraged away from the main bonfire by creating smaller log piles which frogs, toads and newts love,” says Lyndsey Maiden of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales “And before lighting the re-built bonfire pile, it’s a good idea to make a final check by torchlight, to make sure nothing has sneaked in.” It is also a good idea to create a safe place for your hedgehogs and a a guide to making a hedgehog hibernation box (200KB) can be downloaded.
The Wildlife Trusts and the RHS are jointly running the Big Wildlife Garden competition which is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. How gardeners help protect wildlife in their gardens will be one of the considerations taken into account by the judges. Gardeners interested in entering can do so by visiting www.bigwildlifegarden.org.uk/wildlife-garden-competition.
Notes for editors:
Contact Lyndsey Maiden 07799 050805 l.maiden@welshwildlife.org
Photo for one time use only and photographer must be credited.
Our website: www.welshwildlife.org
The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales is the largest charitable organisation working exclusively on all aspects of wildlife conservation in south and west Wales.
The Wildlife Trust works for a better future for all kinds of wildlife across south and west Wales. Our mission is to protect and improve habitats and wildlife in our local area as well as helping people to enjoy and understand their local wildlife. Our vision is for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone.
We achieve this through:
Acquiring and managing nature reserves – we currently manage around 85 nature reserves throughout South and West Wales (including Skomer and Skokholm islands). From ancient woodland to wetland, wildflower meadow to marsh, reed bed to heathland, they contain a rich variety of species, many extremely rare. These nature reserves form a land holding equal to approximately 4,000 acres. Of these reserves10 lie within Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas, seven are National Nature Reserves (NNRs), 40 are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and five are Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
Acting as wildlife champions - by advising on policy and planning, campaigning on wildlife issues, and protecting wildlife beyond our reserves. We provide habitat and species management advice directly to those managing land and we also work with key partners and local people to promote habitat enhancement and restoration.
Helping people understand, protect and celebrate their environment - the Trust promotes the view that people from all sections of society should have access to wildlife and the natural world for enjoyment, learning, and well-being. We invest in the future by helping all ages to gain a better understanding of nature. Our work with schools and our junior club, Wildlife Watch, is enjoyed by hundreds of children.