30 October 2026
Think twice before dumping your pumpkin in the woods, says Forestry England
When Halloween celebrations come to an end, Forestry England is urging people to think twice before leaving unwanted pumpkins in forests and woodlands.
Every year, Forestry England staff find pumpkins discarded in woodlands after Halloween. While often left with good intentions, experts warn that pumpkins can be harmful to wildlife and the wider woodland environment.
Kate Wollen, Forestry England Area Ecologist, said:
"Many people assume pumpkins are a natural food source for wildlife, but that's not the case.
"Pumpkins don't belong in our woodlands and leaving them behind can cause problems for wildlife. Introducing any food source can spread disease, encourage animals to rely on human food and disrupt natural behaviours.
"While some animals may nibble on pumpkin, others can become unwell. Hedgehogs, for example, can suffer digestive problems from eating foods that aren't part of their natural diet.
"Many carved pumpkins have also been decorated with candles, paint, glitter or other materials that could be harmful if accidentally eaten by wildlife."
Instead of abandoning pumpkins in nature, Forestry England is encouraging people to make the most of them at home.
Kate added:
"Pumpkins are incredibly versatile and there are lots of simple ways to reuse them after Halloween. The flesh can be turned into delicious seasonal recipes, while leftover pumpkins can be composted to benefit your garden.
"By taking your pumpkin home and disposing of it responsibly, you're helping to protect wildlife and keep our forests healthy."
Five easy ways to reuse your pumpkin
Cook with it
Use the flesh in soups, curries, stews, cakes or muffins.
Roast the seeds
Clean and roast the seeds with your favourite seasoning for a tasty autumn snack.
Freeze it for later
Store pumpkin puree or chunks in the freezer and use them in future recipes.
Compost it
Pumpkins are around 90% water and provide valuable moisture and nutrients for compost heaps.
Save the seeds
Dry and store seeds over winter, ready to plant in spring and grow next year's pumpkins.
Forestry England is asking visitors to take pumpkins and all other food waste home with them after Halloween and help protect the nation's forests and wildlife.
For more information about visiting your local forest, visit forestryengland.uk.
Notes to Editor
- Images are available here. Please credit Photographer Name/Forestry England/Crown copyright.
- Forestry England manages and cares for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests, with over 313 million visits in 2024/25. As England’s largest land manager, we shape landscapes and enhance forests for people to enjoy, wildlife to flourish and businesses to grow. We are continuing the work we have already started to make the nation’s forests resilient to climate change and by 2026 we will:
- create at least 6,000 more hectares where we integrate wilding activities in our productive forests
- increase the diversity of visitors to the nation’s forests and have one million hours of high-quality volunteer time given to the nation’s forests
- plant at least 2,000 hectares of new, high quality woodlands
For more information visit forestryengland.uk. Forestry England is an agency of the Forestry Commission.
Media contact:
Forestry England press office| media@forestryengland.uk