Remember, Remember …

Remember, remember, the Fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot …

So begins a rhyme known around the world as a reminder of the unsuccessful 1605 attempt to assassinate James I. Guy Fawkes is the most memorable character associated with the plot to blow up Parliament. Fawkes was standing watch by a storeroom when he was arrested. The room, beneath the Palace of Westminster, had been hired by the conspirators to store gunpowder. Although he wasn’t the ring leader, Fawkes’s name is the one attached to 5 November.

On Guy Fawkes’s night people light bonfires and set off fireworks. The explosions of noise and light commemorate the failure of the gunpowder plot. Fireworks though seem to spread across much of October, through November, and on until the New Year. There are, of course, other celebrations during this time, but the autumn leading into winter does seem to encourage firework displays.

Fireworks can be nice to look at. But they can also terrify domestic animals. It is common to see multiple posts on social media by people desperate to locate their missing pets. From dogs who have bolted, to cats who haven’t come home. We stay in around Guy Fawkes and New Year, with the radio playing in an effort to keep some of the noise out. Classic FM are once again hosting two nights of music selected specially to help keep pets and people calm over November 5 and 6. Running from 6 pm until 10, the popular show is now in its fourth year.

Sadly, wild animals don’t have the chance of having sound drowned out, or reassurances from their human family. There are conflicting views on the extent to which fireworks affect wildlife. Last year, hundreds of starlings died after New Year fireworks in Rome. And in January 2011, thousands of red-winged blackbirds died in Arkansas after loud fireworks were set off near their roosting place.

It’s not just fireworks which can be catastrophic for wildlife. Bonfire materials offer perfect cover for hibernating hedgehogs. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society recommends that people either build the bonfire on the day of use, or move pre-prepared collections to a new location before lighting.

Time To Change?

Research suggests that 85% of people think public firework displays should be licensed. Suggestions for changes to current regulations include limiting the noise level of fireworks, and banning their use outside of traditional dates (such as Diwali, Guy Fawkes, and the New Year.) Some places have taken action already. In 2015, Collecchio, in Italy, legislated that only silent fireworks could be used in displays. This was in recognition of the distress which may be caused to domestic and wild animals, and also to those with sensitive hearing, and veterans.

By far the best way to enjoy fireworks, is to attend an organised display. Not only should this be safer than private displays, it will usually take place somewhere less likely to cause distress to animals. It also reduces the pollution caused by fireworks to both air and water. And with COP26 dominating the news, it’s a timely opportunity to take action for the environment.

There are various laws concerning the use of fireworks, including the hours during which they can be used, and fines for their misuse. A helpful summary can be found here. Whatever you do this Guy Fawkes weekend, if it involves fireworks, stay safe and enjoy the display.