30/10/2026
'Dumping pumpkins in the woods is bad for wildlife, warns Forestry England expert.
As Halloween approaches, millions of pumpkins will be carved into spooky lanterns across the UK, adding festive flair to doorsteps and windows. But once the celebrations are over, Forestry England is urging people to think twice before tossing their pumpkins into the woods.
Despite popular online advice suggesting pumpkins are a treat for wildlife, experts say this well-meaning gesture can actually do more harm than good.
Kate Wollen, Area Ecologist at Forestry England, explains:
“We often see social media posts encouraging people to leave pumpkins in the forest for animals to eat, but this can be dangerous.
“Pumpkins are not natural to the woodland and while some wildlife may enjoy a tasty snack it can make others, such as hedgehogs, very poorly.
“Feeding pumpkins, or any other food in the forest, to birds, foxes, badgers, deer, and boar can make them unwell and can spread disease.
“They’re also often decorated with candles, paint, or glitter, posing serious risks if eaten by animals.”
Instead of leaving pumpkins in nature, Forestry England recommends eco-friendly and creative ways to reuse them at home.
Kate continues:
“Pumpkins are 90% water and rich in nitrogen, making them perfect for composting. Or why not turn the flesh into a warming autumn soup? There are so many great ways to give your pumpkin a second life.” '
