Bonfire Night – a celebration of land, community and conservation

While Bonfire Night is traditionally filled with fireworks, sparklers, and warming fires, it’s also a time that brings us closer to our heritage and Norfolk’s rich landscapes.

Celebrating this night can go beyond the crackling fires and explosions in the sky – it can be an opportunity to reconnect with the land, honour local ecosystems, and bring communities together in a sustainable, meaningful way.

At CPRE Norfolk, we encourage looking at Bonfire Night with a fresh perspective – as a moment to reflect on our countryside, consider how we use and care for the land, and make choices that benefit both our environment and our communities.

The roots of Bonfire Night and land stewardship

Bonfire Night has roots that reach back into ancient agricultural and seasonal practices, long before Guy Fawkes’ story became central to its celebration. Bonfires were traditionally used to manage the land, with small, controlled fires helping to clear fields for new crops, enriching the soil with ash, and preparing the land for winter.

These fires weren’t only practical, they were a way for communities to come together and mark the changing seasons, paying tribute to the land that sustained them.

Celebrating Bonfire Night with an eye toward sustainability and conservation can be a powerful way to honour this heritage. By viewing the bonfire as more than just a celebration of history, but as a connection to the land, we can rekindle a respect for Norfolk’s countryside and our responsibility to protect it.

Sustainable ways to celebrate Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night offers a fantastic opportunity to consider our environmental impact. With CPRE Norfolk’s mission of conservation and countryside protection, here are some ways to celebrate with sustainability and stewardship in mind:

1. Choose sustainable firewood and materials – Avoid burning treated wood, which releases chemicals into the air, and instead source untreated, local wood. This not only reduces emissions from transporting firewood but also prevents pollutants from harming local air quality. If you’re gathering wood from your own garden, be mindful of local wildlife, as many creatures use woodpiles as habitats during the colder months.
2. Leave no trace – If you’re hosting a bonfire at home, ensure that once the fire is out, you dispose of any debris properly, leaving the area clean and safe for local wildlife. If possible, compost the cooled ashes or use them as a natural fertiliser in your garden. Wood ash is rich in potassium and calcium, both beneficial to soil health when used sparingly, and it’s a great way to bring the celebration full circle by giving back to the land.
3. Host community events that give back – Consider celebrating Bonfire Night as a group by hosting a community gathering rather than multiple smaller fires. Some communities even include litter-picking activities or mini conservation projects earlier in the day, allowing participants to directly contribute to the health of their local landscape. These gatherings also foster social bonds and deepen connections with nature, which are fundamental to CPRE Norfolk’s mission of community and environmental stewardship.

Reflection on Norfolk’s landscapes and wildlife

Bonfire Night falls at a beautiful transitional period in the natural calendar, and Norfolk’s countryside offers some breath-taking views as we move deeper into autumn. Consider planning a nature walk before your evening celebration, taking in the autumn colours, spotting the local flora that thrives at this time, and observing how wildlife adapts as temperatures drop.

In Norfolk, you might come across birds migrating or observe deer grazing in the fields – a reminder of the richness and resilience of our countryside.

Bonfire Night tips for wildlife-friendly celebrations

Our celebrations can sometimes pose unintentional risks to wildlife, so here are a few small adjustments that can make a big difference:

• Check bonfire piles for wildlife – Small animals, such as hedgehogs, often seek shelter in bonfire piles. Before lighting, carefully inspect the woodpile and, if necessary, gently relocate any animals to a safe spot nearby.
• Reduce firework noise – If you plan on having fireworks, consider quieter options, which are less disruptive to both wildlife and domestic animals.
• Be mindful of litter and ash disposal – Avoid leaving food scraps, plastics, or non-biodegradable items in the area, as these can pose a risk to wildlife.

Honouring tradition while looking forward

In celebrating Bonfire Night with a conservationist spirit, we can bridge the gap between honouring tradition and fostering a future where Norfolk’s landscapes continue to thrive. Each small, mindful act – from choosing sustainable materials to hosting community events – helps build a healthier countryside that we can all enjoy.

Whether you’re enjoying a nature walk, gathering with neighbours, or lighting a responsible, wildlife-friendly fire, let’s take this time to celebrate the land that sustains us and commit to protecting it for generations to come.