BONFIRE Night revellers are urged to look out for dozing hogs and frogs before they light their fires.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society warn that toads, frogs, newts and hedgehogs may be hiding in the wood.

“People tend to check for hedgehogs in the wood they have gathered for their fire, but it is equally likely that toads, frogs and newts will have found shelter in these piles and might be missed,” said Andrew Halstead, principal RHS entomologist “In the autumn hedgehogs are searching for places to hibernate so to avoid them we advise that fires should be built on the day that they are to be lit.”

He said wood piles could be made earlier – but should be moved to a clear, debris-free final spot on the day.

“Bonfire organisers can divert amphibians away from the bonfire site, and give them safe shelter, by having smaller log piles, or heaps of leaves, away from the main pile,” said Morag Shuaib of the Wildlife Trust.

For more information, call Eoin Redahan on 020 7821 3044 or email eoinredahan@rhs.org.uk or Anna Guthrie on 01636 670075 or aguthrie @wildlifetrust.org.