Plastic Halloween cobwebs wildlife warning

Surrey Wildlife Trust says hedgehogs, birds and insects get trapped in plastic cobwebs

A wildlife charity has warned of the dangers of using artificial spider webs outdoors at Halloween.

Surrey Wildlife Trust said the plastic seasonal decorations could trap and kill hedgehogs, birds and insects when hung on trees, hedges and fences.

Plastic cobwebs are often made of very fine strands, which are not biodegradable and can be harmful to the environment, according to the conservation group.

Oliver Fry, from the charity, told BBC Radio Surrey: "We don't want to be killjoys, but keep your plastic webs inside."

He added: "Go easy on the plastics and use other stuff too."

Up to 80% of Halloween merchandise is made predominately from cheap plastics and an estimated seven million costumes are sent to landfill each year, according to the wildlife trust.

In a blog on the charity's website, Marcus Wehrle said: "Halloween costumes are largely made up of plastic.

"Rather than buying new, you could buy a second hand costume online, or why not create your own from clothing brought from a charity shop?

"Not only will you be helping the planet, you'll be supporting a worthy cause too."

The charity estimates that 95% of the UK's 10 million pumpkins are produced purely for Halloween

Mr Wehrle added: "You don't need to buy plastic pumpkins and bat bunting.

"With a little effort you could make your own decorations from reusable or recyclable materials."

The wildlife organisation also pointed out that discarding pumpkins outdoors can be harmful to hedgehogs and other species if eaten.

It estimates that up to 95% of the UK's 10 million pumpkins are produced purely for Halloween, with many going "straight in the bin" after the event.

Mr Wehrle said: "A quick search online will reveal many tasty pumpkin recipes such as pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup to use the scooped out innards."

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