A developer operating across West Yorkshire is teaming up with Hedgehog Street to protect hedgehogs this Bonfire Night.

Homebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes is supporting the national wildlife campaign run by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES).

The partnership aims to raise awareness of the dangers bonfires pose to hedgehogs and other small animals, which may take refuge in unlit piles.

Gavin Birch, managing director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: “It’s extremely important to us when building new communities that we’re also creating a space for wildlife to thrive.

“We hope these vital tips can help to keep local hedgehog populations stable.”

The 2022 State of Britain’s Hedgehogs report revealed that rural hedgehog numbers have fallen by up to 75 per cent in some areas since 2000.

Hedgehogs are now listed as vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and intensive agriculture.

Grace Johnson, hedgehog officer for Hedgehog Street, added: “Bonfire Night is a calendar event for many people, but unfortunately bonfires are extremely dangerous for hedgehogs as they look like a perfect readymade home to a hibernate in.

“They have no idea of the danger they’re in.”