Halloween’s leftover pumpkins pose grave threat to hedgehogs, warns North East Wales Biodiversity Network
This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Oct 31st, 2023
With Halloween spending in the UK predicted to surpass £1 billion in 2023, the amount of pumpkin waste generated is staggering.
In 2022 alone, people in the UK spent £28.95 million on pumpkins for Halloween.
However, it is critical that we consider the impact on wildlife when disposing of these pumpkins, says North East Wales Biodiversity Network.
Pumpkins are often left on the ground in gardens, parks and green spaces for animals to eat.
While not harmful to birds, they can be incredibly dangerous for hedgehogs.
A North East Wales Biodiversity Network spokesperson said: “These creatures are vital to the ecosystem, and they tend to eat anything they find, including pumpkins.”
“Pumpkins are a natural laxative, which can cause serious diarrhoea and dehydration in hedgehogs.”
“This is especially dangerous during the winter, when hedgehogs need to put on as much weight as possible to survive hibernation.”
“Furthermore, discarded pumpkins can attract rats, smother wild plants and grasses and create nutrient-rich soil that can lead to the growth of invasive plants, which can take over the ground.”
“To tackle this issue, the Wildlife Trust recommends composting or burying pumpkins in a hole at least 12 – 18 inches deep to divert organic waste from landfills.”
“Alternatively, you can turn them into pumpkin bread, muffins or soup, or roast them and turn them into pumpkin seed snacks for bird feeders.”
“By implementing these recommendations, we can minimise the impact of pumpkin waste on the environment and ensure the safety of wildlife.”
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