Rosario Monachino
Experts are warning the public not to dump their pumpkins in the woods.
Undoubtedly one of the highlights of Halloween is pumpkin carving – some people like to be at their creative best and attempt to do a full Picasso piece, while others will simply do a smiley face.
But it’s what you do with them following October 31 which is a divisive matter.
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If you know your way around the kitchen and the pumpkins are still in a good state, you may be able to make some food or a drink from them.
But others just choose to dispose of them, either in their bin or by dumping them in the forest.
If you are one of those who choose to leave pumpkins in the woods, experts have warned that this is something you shouldn’t be doing.
According to The Woodland Trust (via The Telegraph), thousands of pumpkins are discarded in the woods each year.
While you may think you are doing the wildlife habitat a favour by dumping them there, you are in fact doing the opposite.
Paul Bunton explained to the outlet: “People think they’re doing a good thing by not binning them in landfills and instead leaving them for nature.
“Pumpkin flesh can be dangerous for hedgehogs, attracts colonies of rats, and also has a really detrimental effect on woodland soils, plants, and fungi.”
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On The Woodland Trust’s website, the organisation explains that hedgehogs aren’t ‘designed’ to eat the vegetable’s seeds and that it can lead to stomach issues and even dehydration – which could be fatal.
They instead advise to dump them in the appropriate bins and compost heaps or make a pumpkin seed feeder for birds.
If you are unsure what to do with your pumpkin following Halloween, environmental charity Hubbub is encouraging the public to eat their pumpkins – as long as they are not too old, have been indoors in a cool room, and have not held a candle.
The organisation explains that 15.8 million pumpkins will go to waste this spooky season and that a ‘carving pumpkin’ is still good to eat – they are just given that name due to their size.
Forestry England has provided a list of useful creations you can make from your pumpkins, including a bird feeder, a bowl and even a face mask – which are great for ‘fighting off wrinkles’ since they are full of vitamins A, C and E.
Other options include making a homemade pumpkin spice latte or even some pumpkin soup.
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