Pumpkins, Wildlife, and a Nature-Friendly Halloween
Did you know that a whopping 24 million pumpkins are sold in the UK each year, and about two-thirds of these are thrown away? Many of these pumpkins end up in local woodlands and parks, where well-meaning, but misinformed, people leave them out in the hope of helping local wildlife. Unfortunately, it does the opposite.
Pumpkins aren’t a natural food source for most of our native wildlife, and feeding them to birds and other animals can make them seriously ill. This is especially concerning for smaller mammals like hedgehogs who can get severe diarrhoea from pumpkins, which can lead to dehydration and death. Even if they recover, a loss of condition can be deadly as they go into hibernation.
Additionally, because they aren’t a natural product of the UK, there aren’t many detritivores (creatures like worms and woodlice that break down decaying organic matter) that feed on them. This means they take a long time to break down and, in the meantime, they can harbour all sorts of bacteria, fungi and viruses, resulting in the spread of other diseases!
A Nature-Friendly Halloween
Pumpkins: Disposing of your pumpkin properly is a simple way to reduce the risk of harming wildlife. If you carve your pumpkin on the day and refrigerate it after use, you can simply eat it- they make lovely pies and soups! If your pumpkin isn’t suitable for eating, pop it on your compost pile. It might take a while to break down, but by spring it will have transformed into rich, wildlife-safe compost.
Pick Your Own Pumpkin: Farmers across the UK are diversifying and using their expertise to create amazing autumn experiences. So, why not support your local farm by visiting a pumpkin patch? your pumpkin won’t have any air miles, and you can make every step of your pumpkin carving part of the fun- from picking to carving to eating!
Crafty Conkers: Want to skip the pumpkins altogether? Try picking conkers instead. Simply paint them orange and add spooky faces to make cute decorations you can place around your home. Keep them out of reach of small children and pets though.
Whilst you’re getting crafty, why not make some leaf ghosts too. All you have to do is collect some dry leaves, paint them white, give them two eyes, pop a piece of string through them, and voila! You have your very own floating ghosts!
Rivers are at the heart of our local landscapes. Whether you’re casting a line, exploring a riverside trail, or simply basking in the beauty of nature, you can help protect these special places now, and for generations to come.
By becoming a Ribble Rivers Trust supporter for just £3 a month, you’ll be funding real, on-the-ground action.
Ready to make a difference? Learn more here: ribbletrust.org.uk/become-a-supporter
