The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) has warned about the dangers fireworks and bonfires can pose to hedgehogs this season.

Fay Vass, the chief executive of the BHPS, said: "Bonfire and firework season is one of the most dangerous times of the year for wild hedgehogs – so we’re asking people to take a moment to #RememberHedgehogs and consider how our actions can harm the wildlife living in our neighbourhoods. A bonfire pile looks like an inviting readymade home to a hedgehog seeking a warm winter nest to hibernate in."

The BHPS has asked people planning a bonfire to think about whether it is necessary and, if they decide to go ahead, to build it on the same day as lighting.

People are also asked to check thoroughly for wildlife before setting it alight.

Ms Vass added: "It’s vital to remember hedgehogs at this time of year and to give them the best possible chance to escape the danger of a lit bonfire that they’ve mistaken for a safe haven."

If you find a hedgehog in your bonfire heap, the BHPS has asked people to gather it up with as much of its nest as possible and place it in a high-sided cardboard box with plenty of torn newspaper, towelling or straw.

People should then release it back into the wild once the embers of the fire are totally dampened down.