Pumpkin Dumping: A Spooky Threat to Wildlife This Halloween

With Halloween just around the corner, Forestry England is urging the public to avoid dumping pumpkins in forests or woodlands, warning that it could harm local wildlife.

A Halloween Hazard for Wildlife

Each year, millions of pumpkins find their way to windowsills and doorsteps, but what happens after Halloween is causing concern. Well-meaning social media posts often encourage people to leave their leftover pumpkins in the woods for wildlife. However, Forestry England says this practice can be harmful.

According to Sam Pegler, a senior ecologist at Forestry England, pumpkins are not a natural food source for woodland animals and can make some species, like the declining hedgehog population, very sick. The decomposing pumpkins can also attract pests and spread disease.

What to Do Instead

Rather than leaving pumpkins to rot in the countryside, Sam suggests getting creative in the kitchen. There are numerous recipes online that make use of pumpkins in dishes beyond just soups. Stews, curries, pies, pasta, and risotto are all great ways to make use of this seasonal vegetable.

Sam added, “If pumpkin really isn’t your thing, it can be disposed of in your food recycling container or composted at home.” Pumpkins are ideal for composting due to their high water content, which helps add nitrogen and moisture to compost bins.

A Better Way Forward

Forestry England is encouraging the public to recycle their pumpkins responsibly, either by using them in the kitchen or composting them. While some animal centres may accept a small number of pumpkins for their residents, these are carefully managed and removed before they rot—a process that isn’t feasible in a forest setting.

To learn more about responsible waste disposal and tips on how to make the most of your pumpkins this Halloween, check out recipes online and explore sustainable options for your leftover pumpkins.