Plea not to feed left over pumpkins to farm animals or dump in the New Forest

There's a warning to dispose of the winter squash safely.

Author: Henrietta CreaseyPublished 2nd Nov 2020

Wiltshire Trading Standards say if pumpkins have been carved in a kitchen it is illegal to feed them to farm animals, including those kept as pets.

This includes pigs and chickens.

This law was introduced to prevent the spread of diseases such as African Swine Fever.

Meanwhile Pumpkin Pastures in Fordingbridge, which was a popular picking spot with families over the last few weeks, has also issued a reminder about not dumping pumpkins in the New Forest.

Leftover pumpkins can be put our in your garden to fed to birds, wildlife and mini-beasts however they are not good for hedgehogs as they have a laxative effect!

Alternatively they can be composted.

Don't leave pumpkins out for hedgehogs - its gives them a squitty bottom!