A leading conservation charity is warning people not to dump pumpkins in woodlands this Halloween because they can kill hedgehogs.

The Woodland Trust says while some people believe pumpkins help to provide wildlife with food and help trees to grow, they can prove to instead be harmful.

The charity has spotted a worrying trend in recent years where pumpkins have been dumped in woodland, because the public think it will be beneficial.

An estimated eight million pumpkins will be discarded in the days after this evening, with may dumped in woodlands, the Trust says.

But experts believe pumpkins can upset hedgehog’s stomachs, leaving them dehydrated and unwell just when they need to be fattening up for winter.

The Woodland Trust’s Paul Bunton says people should instead compost their pumpkins at home, or hang them from trees to feed to the birds.

Explaining the motivation behind why people leave pumpkins in woodlands, he said: ‘I think it is because people think they are doing something positive for the wildlife – giving them a bit of an autumn boost.

‘But, actually they are doing the reverse – it can be very negative for wildlife.’

The Woodland Trust has posted a video to its social media pages detailing the negative impact pumpkins can have on wildlife.

In the video, Trevor Weeks, founder of the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service, says Halloween coincides with the time hedgehogs are looking to fatten themselves up ahead of hibernating.

But pumpkins can cause hedgehogs to develop diarrhea, lose weight and become dehydrated.

As well as being harmful to the hedgehogs, decaying pumpkins can also attract rats.

Vicky Bolton, from the Woodland Trust, said: ‘Not only can they bring unwanted pests but they can also leave a sticky, slimy mess which costs time and money to clean up.

‘As a charity, this money comes from our supporters and we hope you’ll agree is better spent on planting trees and restoring ancient woodland.

‘So what should you do with your pumpkin after Halloween?

‘How about using leftovers to make stew or soup or making a bird feeder to help keep birds well fed through the winter months? You can help us protect woodlands for trees and wildlife by recycling your pumpkins at home.’

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