A CHARITY is warning against 'dumping' pumpkins in woodland after Halloween is over.

The charity is hoping to dispel the 'myth' that leaving pumpkins out for wildlife is a good thing - but actually, the charity says it can be dangerous.

The Woodland Trust has issued a plea to 'witches, wizards, and spooks everywhere' ahead of Halloween.

Warrington Guardian: The Woodland Trust is warning against leaving pumpkins to decompose in woodlandsThe Woodland Trust is warning against leaving pumpkins to decompose in woodlands (Image: Woodland Trust)

According to the charity, although pumpkins biodegrade that does not mean that they are good for wildlife that reside in woodlands.

The trust says that 'pumpkin flesh can be dangerous for hedgehogs, attracts colonies of rats and also has a really detrimental effect on woodland soils, plants and fungi.'

Paul Bunton, engagement and communication officer at Woodland Trust, said: "A myth seems to have built up that leaving pumpkins in woods helps wildlife. 

"People think they’re doing a good thing by not binning them in landfill and instead leaving them for nature."

Trevor Weeks from East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service echoed the Trust’s concern over the risk to hedgehogs because, like other wildlife, 'they are opportunistic eaters and they spend autumn and early winter building up their fat reserves for hibernation.'

However, Trevor explained that eating pumpkin can be detrimental to animals like hedgehogs: "Although not toxic to them, the fleshy fibrous fruit can cause stomach upsets and diarrhoea as they are not designed to eat large quantities of fruit.

“This can lead to them becoming bloated and dangerously dehydrated which in turn can be fatal.

"At this time of year, they can’t afford to become ill, or they may not survive the winter hibernation."

The Woodland Trust added: "Jack-o-lanterns can be good for wildlife in small quantities in gardens, but not woodland or other countryside.

"We are urging people everywhere to make soup, make a birdfeeder for your garden, but please don’t make a mess of the countryside!"