Do this one thing before lighting a bonfire this weekend!

Did you know that according to a recent report by The Mammal Society, it's estimated that there are only 522,000 hedgehogs left in the UK, a decrease of 66% since the last estimate of over 1.5 million 1995. The most recent State of Britain’s Hedgehogs report found that we have lost over a half of our rural hedgehogs in the past decade alone.

Emily Wilson, Hedgehog Officer at Hedgehog Street (a project by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species and the British Hedgehog Preservation) said: 'Bonfire Night is a popular night for thousands of us each year, but piles of wood can be irresistible to hedgehogs looking for somewhere safe to hide and maybe even to hibernate in over the winter months.

FLIR thermal imaging cameras are being used in a project call #AmazingGrace to try and save hedgehogs that commonly nest in pre-prepared bonfires. The campaign is run by Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue, Save Me Trust and The British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

Each 5th November, rescue charities take in a large number of hedgehogs that have perished or burnt in bonfires – it is hoped that with the use of thermal imaging equipment, and wider campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers to wildlife – many can be spared this year.

So before you light your bonfire this year, make sure you check for any wildlife who may be trying to make it their new home!