As the temperature drops and frost settles in, wildlife can struggle to find food, shelter, and warmth. Your garden can become a haven for birds, hedgehogs, and other creatures during the winter months with a little thoughtful planning. Here’s how you can support local wildlife and create a garden teeming with life—even in the chilliest weather.
1. Provide Food for Birds and Wildlife
During winter, natural food sources like seeds and berries become scarce. Help wildlife stay nourished by offering a variety of food:
- Bird Feeders: Hang feeders filled with high-energy foods like sunflower hearts, suet balls, and peanuts. Avoid salted nuts and bread, as they can harm birds. Learn more about feeding birds from the RSPB.
- Ground Feeders: Scatter seeds and mealworms for ground-feeding birds like robins and blackbirds.
- Plants with Berries: Grow shrubs such as holly, pyracantha, and cotoneaster to provide a natural food source for birds.
Tip: Place feeders in sheltered locations to protect birds from wind and predators. Visit CJ Wildlife for quality bird feeders and food options.
2. Create Shelters and Nesting Spaces
Wildlife needs safe places to rest and shelter from harsh weather. You can help by providing suitable habitats:
- Hedgehogs: Build or buy a hedgehog house, and place it in a quiet corner of your garden. Hedgehog Street offers guidance on hedgehog-friendly gardening. Avoid disturbing leaf piles, as hedgehogs often use them to hibernate.
- Birds: Install nesting boxes or birdhouses to offer shelter. Read RSPB’s guide to nest boxes for advice on placement and maintenance.
- Insects: Add bug hotels made from bamboo canes, pinecones, and wood, which provide a safe space for overwintering insects like ladybirds and lacewings.
Tip: Leave areas of your garden a little messy—piles of logs, leaves, and twigs are perfect homes for wildlife.
3. Offer Fresh Water
Water is crucial for wildlife in winter, but it often freezes over. Ensure your garden provides a consistent water source:
- Use a shallow dish of fresh water for drinking and bathing, and check regularly to break the ice.
- Place small stones in the water to help insects and small birds drink safely.
Tip: Avoid using antifreeze or chemicals in bird baths, as they are harmful to wildlife. The Wildlife Trusts provide more tips on winter water care.
4. Plant for Winter Wildlife
Certain plants not only add beauty to your garden but also provide vital resources for animals during the colder months:
- Evergreens: Trees and shrubs like ivy and holly offer shelter and food for birds and insects.
- Winter Flowers: Plants like hellebores and winter heather attract pollinators such as bees on milder days.
- Seed Heads: Leave the seed heads of summer perennials like teasels and sunflowers intact to provide food for birds.
Tip: Plantlife has a comprehensive guide to choosing native plants that support local wildlife.
5. Avoid Harmful Practices
It’s essential to avoid actions that could inadvertently harm wildlife:
- Minimise Chemicals: Avoid pesticides and slug pellets, which can poison birds, hedgehogs, and other garden visitors.
- Check for Animals: Before lighting bonfires or trimming hedges, check for hidden wildlife like hedgehogs and birds.
- Keep Pets in Check: Limit outdoor access for cats during peak feeding times for birds (early morning and late afternoon).
6. Light the Way Carefully
Bright outdoor lighting can disturb nocturnal creatures like hedgehogs and owls. Use motion-sensor lights sparingly, and shield them to reduce glare.
7. Make Compost Piles
A compost heap not only benefits your garden but also provides warmth and food for creatures like worms, insects, and even frogs. Keep a corner of your garden for a compost pile to support your local ecosystem. Garden Organic provides practical advice on composting for beginners.
8. Encourage a Wildlife Corridor
If possible, create gaps in your garden fences to allow hedgehogs and other small animals to move freely between gardens. Wildlife corridors are crucial for their survival, especially in urban areas.
Why a Wildlife-Friendly Garden Matters
Creating a haven for wildlife isn’t just about helping animals survive the winter; it also enriches your garden. Birds and insects help with pollination and pest control, while a biodiverse garden is more resilient to diseases and extreme weather.
Transforming your garden into a wildlife-friendly space doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you install a bird feeder, plant berry-producing shrubs, or simply leave part of your garden untouched, every small effort makes a big difference. Visit The Wildlife Trusts for more wildlife-friendly gardening tips.
Turn your winter garden into a wildlife haven today!
Need help preparing your garden for wildlife this winter? Contact us for advice and assistance. Together, we can make your garden a thriving sanctuary for nature.