"MC Emily" wrote in message
...
Piling wood progressively in the place you're going to burn it isn't a
good
idea because you could have hedgehogs inside it all. If you can, move the
pile and while you're moving it look out for hedgehogs. Many hedgehogs
have
come out of hibernation early this year because of the mild winter we've
had
but now it's gone colder they've gone back into hibernation again. During
January I found 5 wandering about looking very sleepy but quite healthy -
they'd just woken up too early!!! If you care about hedgehogs (gardeners
usually do), please check there aren't any in your bonfire before you get
it
going. Of course, some people couldn't give a stuff about them but I hope
you're not one of those )

I NEVER light the pile I've collected over the months, I ALWAYS start the
fire in a new place, a little at a time to start, then add more as the fire
begins to burn brightly.

My bonfires always start with a heap about 8 feet in diameter and 6 of 7
feet high!

I usually try to wait untill the wood is dry so it burns well and quickly.

Alan
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