Keeping Pets and Wildlife Safe This Bonfire Night in Hampshire

04 November 2025

At eastbrooke homes, we believe that being a responsible local housing developer means more than building high-quality, sustainable homes; it’s also about caring for the communities and environments around us. With Bonfire Night approaching, we’re sharing practical advice on how to keep your pets calm, protect local wildlife, and celebrate safely. 

Whether you’re in Eastleigh, Hedge End, Horton Heath, or the wider Hampshire area, these tips will help you enjoy the festivities while looking after the animals that share our homes and gardens. 

How to Keep Dogs and Cats Calm During Fireworks

Fireworks can be stressful for pets, but a few simple steps can make a big difference: 

  • Create a safe indoor space with blankets, toys, and familiar scents. 
  • Close curtains and play calming music to reduce noise and flashes. 
  • Walk dogs earlier in the day before displays begin. 
  • Stay calm and reassuring as pets take their cues from you. 
  • Check collars and microchips are up to date in case they run off. 

Hedgehog Awareness: Protecting Wildlife in Bonfires

Hedgehogs often shelter in wood piles at this time of year. Before lighting your bonfire: 

  • Build it on the day to prevent wildlife moving in. 
  • Use a torch to check for hedgehogs or small animals. 
  • Relocate any hedgehogs safely to a quiet, leafy corner of the garden. 

At eastbrooke homes, we’re passionate about protecting biodiversity around our developments, and small steps like these help safeguard local wildlife. 

Local Firework Displays: Safer Than DIY

Instead of setting off fireworks at home, why not attend an organised display? They’re safer, more ecofriendly, and reduce the number of random bangs across the weekend, making life easier for pets and wildlife. 

  • Utilita Bowl’s Fireworks Party – A 20-minute fireworks display accompanied by a funfair, music and an array of food and beverage options.  
  • Southampton Movie Magic Firework Display – The biggest firework display on the Sout Coast offers a breathtaking display in Mayflower Park. 

By choosing local displays, you’ll enjoy the spectacle while supporting the community and reducing risks at home. 

Bonfire Night Safety Tips

  • Keep pets indoors once fireworks begin. 
  • Supervise children around bonfires and sparklers. 
  • Store matches and glow sticks safely out of reach. 
  • Always have water or sand nearby when lighting fires. 

The eastbrooke homes Difference

At eastbrooke homes, we don’t just build houses – we create communities where families, pets, and wildlife can thrive. With larger-than-average ling spaces, sustainable heating solutions, and countryside surroundings, our homes are designed for comfort, connection, and contentment. 

Just over an hour from London, and with the M3 and M27 nearby, our developments in Horton Heath and the wider Hampshire area offer the perfect balance of countryside calm and city convenience. 

This Bonfire Night, let’s celebrate responsibly, protecting our pets, wildlife, and the communities we call home. 

Follow us on Instagram for more seasonal tips, home inspiration, and updates on our latest developments. 

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