Watching out for wildlife

Winter can be a challenging time for garden wildlife. With food shortages, harsh weather conditions, habitat loss, and predators, many species struggle to survive during the colder months. As the insects, fruits, and plants that wildlife rely on become scarce, starvation becomes a real threat. Severe winter weather can make it difficult for animals to find food and water, and also leads to hypothermia and other health problems. Furthermore, human activity such as using salt to melt ice or cutting back vegetation can have a significant impact on garden wildlife. As such, it's important to take steps to support our local wildlife during the winter, such as providing food and shelter, and avoiding harmful practices.

One way to help garden birds during the winter months, is to provide a variety of high-energy foods such as suet, sunflower seeds, and peanut butter to help them maintain their energy levels and body temperature. Additionally, ensuring a constant supply of clean, unfrozen water for drinking and bathing is essential for their well-being, but don’t forget to keep the bird bath topped up and leave a tennis ball in to help stop it from freezing over. Installing birdhouses or nesting boxes can also offer much-needed shelter from the cold and protection from predators. By taking these simple measures, you can contribute significantly to the survival and overall health of the birds that visit your garden, fostering a thriving ecosystem within your surroundings. 

Hedgehogs are one of the most vulnerable species during winter, with almost half not even surviving their first year. To help hedgehogs survive during the winter months, providing additional resources within your garden can be highly beneficial. One way to do this is to create a shelter for them, by placing piles of leaves and logs in a quiet corner of your garden. Additionally, providing food and water, such as cat or dog food and fresh water in a shallow dish, can go a long way in supporting these creatures. By offering a safe habitat and sustenance, you will be contributing to the well-being of hedgehogs, aiding their survival throughout the harsh winter season. Additionally, maintaining a compost pile will not only benefit your garden but also create a habitat for beneficial critters seeking refuge from the harsh weather.

But don’t forget to help out garden insects during the cold winter months, as there are several very easy things you can do to create a more nurturing environment. You can simply put leaf piles, logs, and dead plant material in your garden, as these can provide crucial habitats and shelter for insects. If you want to get crafty, you can cut down bamboo shoots and glue them together into a block that can be used as an “insect hotel”. A good thing to keep in mind is to avoid using chemical pesticides, as they can be harmful to these beneficial creatures. Planting a diverse array of native plants that bloom in varying seasons, including winter, can also provide necessary food sources for insects during this challenging time.