As November 5th approaches, wildlife experts are urging gardeners to check their bonfires for hedgehogs before lighting them to avoid unnecessary deaths.

Wildlife Trusts from around the country have issued a warning to gardeners to search their bonfires with a torch and rake before setting them on fire.

Hedgehog numbers are in decline in the UK due to a loss of habitat and experts claim that unlit bonfires make an ideal refuge for creatures seeking to hibernate.

Somerset Wildlife Trust's gardening officer, Morag Shuaib, said: "To a hedgehog looking for a place to sleep, an unlit bonfire is a ready made nest," the Yeovil Express reports.

"We're asking people to give hedgehogs a helping hand by following our instructions and checking any bonfires before lighting them.

"Hedgehogs are great friends to gardeners and a natural pest-killer.
However, numbers are in decline and we need to do all we can to help them out."

For advice on different garden styles, visit Ideas + Inspiration