The RSPB is urging everyone to spare a thought for garden wildlife this bonfire night.

At night-time in particular, birds are likely to be roosting in trees and bushes, and the wildlife charity is warning that holding firework displays too close to their shelters could disturb them.

Although there is no evidence to suggest fireworks cause conservation problems, loud bangs and flashing lights too close could cause birds to move on, and every movement made in the cold weather uses up vital energy supplies.

Sophie McCallum, RSPB south east media officer, says: “If you are planning a bonfire and fireworks in your garden, try to do it without upsetting the wildlife that lives there.

“Take a look around, note where any nestboxes and thick trees and bushes that could be a winter shelter for birds are, and try and pick a spot away from them.”

Although the nesting period is over and young birds have long gone, many birds use nestboxes for shelter over winter.

It’s also worth remembering hedgehogs when you’re making the final touches to your bonfire heap. Piles of logs and leaves are the perfect spot for sleepy hedgehogs, and they will usually be buried right at the bottom.

The RSPB suggests checking for any prickly residents by gently removing the top layer of twigs and leaves. If you do accidentally disturb an active hedgehog nest, carefully replace the material. The hedgehog will soon repair or move the nest elsewhere.

If there are young in the nest, avoid touching them. Similarly, if it is a hibernating adult, avoid waking it. Should it wake, you may want to leave it some food nearby until it hibernates again.

Sophie added: “If you’ve been gradually building a bonfire for a while, carefully check that any hedgehogs haven’t moved in.”