3 Ways To Protect Wildlife This Halloween Season

Halloween has become an ever-increasingly popular event in the UK, with a record £537 million estimated to be spent on it this year. As we approach the Halloween season, it is important to keep in mind how our choices affect who we share the planet with, and the small changes we can make to help wildlife in our community. Here are 3 top tips that you can think about this spooky season to protect wildlife whilst also enjoying this time of year.

1. Do Not Leave Pumpkins Outside

In recent times, there has been viral online advice to leave pumpkins outside to rot once Halloween is over. Did you know this can be incredibly dangerous for wildlife, and the ecosystem? It is estimated that around 8 million pumpkins will be discarded in the UK after Halloween. Forestry England are now officially warning people against leaving their pumpkins out for animals to eat, as most pumpkins are decorated and have had candles in them to produce their famous glow. If an animal were to eat a foreign object, this could pose serious harm to them. However even plain pumpkins can pose harm to animals, with wildlife becoming more dependent on humans for food and fears of spreading disease between species. Pumpkins are also not native to some areas, meaning they are not a local food source. Tossing whole pumpkins into these areas could also lead to seeds spreading, allowing non-native pumpkins to grow and divert resources from natural plants.

So how should pumpkins be dealt with after Halloween? The answer is simple, as they are a food, we should eat them! The most simple thing to do with leftover pumpkin is make a soup, however you can also make cupcakes, pasta and curry. The BBC Good Food has produced a guide where you can find a handful of different leftover pumpkin recipes, which you can find here. A much better alternative food for hedgehogs is Nourish Hedgehog Food. This is made with added vitamins and brewers yeast and is suitable for all adult wild hedgehogs.

2. Stay Away From Artificial Spider Webs

Often a staple Halloween decoration, fake spider webs which have been sprayed onto hedgerows and shrubs can be seen all around during this time of year. However, the RSPB have warned against putting up these decorations, as it is easy for birds to get their legs tangled in them. Once the animal is stuck, it is very difficult for them to escape, because of the clingy nature of the webs. If a bird was to get their wing caught in one of these webs, it could lead to injury or exhaustion, or even worse. Insects have also been known to get caught in the webs, meaning reduced resources for birds during the time of year where natural food resources are already slim pickings. If a bird goes to retrieve the insect whilst caught up, it could spell disaster for the two of them.

If you are looking for some more wildlife friendly Halloween decorations, using natural resources is often a good way to create more eco-friendly decor. As an alternative to spray spider webs, brown string can create the effect you are looking for without the risk of wildlife getting caught. You can also make an Autumnal Halloween wreath by using biodegradable materials such as twigs and leaves instead of plastic decorations. Old jam jars filled with Autumn leaves and fairy lights also make a great alternative by re-using old products, which is also better on your bank account.

3. Think Before Setting Off Fireworks 

A message that is often promoted nearer Bonfire Night, fireworks are now being set off all year round, such as on New Year, Diwali and private events. The sound of shouting in the ear can be measured at a noise level (dB) of 110 with the noise of firecrackers at a whopping 140-150. From this you can see why it is important to be away from sensitive areas if you decide to let off fireworks. This includes staying clear of nature reverses, trees, hedges and thick vegetation. Wildlife such as birds and bats could be using these areas as shelter, and the loud bangs and flashes from fireworks could startle them, possibly resulting in injuries. It could also make them use energy stores which they are relying on to get themselves through the winter. It is also important to be away from bird boxes. Although birds won't be nesting during the Autumn, if the weather is cold then species such as Wrens and Blue Tits will huddle together to keep warm.

The RSPCA is campaigning to reduce the noise level of fireworks down to 90 dB, set tougher restrictions on limiting the sale of fireworks to consumers and designate 'firework free' zones. To give birds a safe place to stay away from fireworks, we recommend a nesting cavity. Our Artisan Nesters have a sturdy inner frame for support and come in a range of shapes and sizes.

By making these small changes to your habits this Halloween, we hope we can make life a little more peaceful for wildlife this Autumn.