ESSEX Wildlife Trust is urging people to consider wildlife when celebrating Bonfire Night.
Loud fireworks and bright flashes can distress wildlife, while bonfires themselves can be dangerous to creatures such as hedgehogs, which often shelter in wood piles.
Andrew Armstrong, senior ranger at Essex Wildlife Trust, said: "As we approach the fireworks season, please be mindful to protect wildlife.
"For example, when moving pallets or pieces of wood, please do check for hedgehogs or small mammals sheltering under the wood.
"If possible, please relocate these animals to a safe area.
"Also, please consider alternatives to candle-lit sky lanterns.
"These lanterns can descend and cause fires on local nature reserves."
Bonfires and fireworks also release carbon and chemicals into the atmosphere and often leave behind litter which can further harm the environment.
The trust recommends attending organised displays instead of hosting private events to reduce the impact on wildlife.
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For those who do celebrate at home, the trust has shared a number of steps to reduce harm:
1. Prepare or move your bonfire on the day you are planning to burn it, so animals do not have the opportunity to take shelter within.
You can also place chicken wire around the bottom to prevent animals entering.
2. Consider a bonfire alternative such as a raised fire pit.
3. If you find a hedgehog in your bonfire, put on a pair of gloves, and carefully remove it taking with you as much of the vegetation as possible.
You can keep it in a carboard box with ventilation holes until after the displays and then release it into a vegetated area.
4. Light the bonfire from one corner to give animals the chance to escape and ensure the bonfire is completely put out once finished.
5. Aim to use environmentally-friendly fireworks and avoid using them near trees and hedgerows to help protect nesting birds from disturbance.
6. Make sure to pick up your litter following the celebrations.
Darren Tansley, wilder rivers and protected species manager at Essex Wildlife Trust, said: "Hedgehogs and dormice have been killed in Essex whilst sleeping in woodpiles created for bonfires so it is best to restack your fire on the day and to check for any animals.
"Everyone wants to enjoy bonfire night and keeping both ourselves and our wildlife safe is possible if we just take a few precautions."
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