Ways to Support Local Wildlife During Cold Weather
We’re sure you’ll have noticed that the weather is well and truly chilly and becoming increasingly frosty. Whilst humans have central heating, blankets, onesies and hot chocolate to keep us warm, the same can’t be said for the wide range of birds and animals that visits British gardens.
In this guide we’re sharing a few simple yet effective tips that will allow you to support your local wildlife during the cold months.
Create a comfy shelter
The winter months can be very harsh, making it a struggle for wildlife to keep warm. Creating a shelter for ground-based animals is really easy, as you can simply sweep up any fallen leaves and turn them into a big, comfy pile.
Placing dead leaves beneath shrubs is also a good idea, as hedgehogs, insects and other animals will appreciate the cosy sanctuary without having to worry about being disturbed.
Leave some food out
We don’t mean create a banquet fit for Henry VIII and place it around your garden, it’s just a case of putting out tasty snacks such as seeds, suet balls and mealworms for birds; tinned dog or cat food (not fish-based) for hedgehogs; hazelnuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds and chopped carrots for squirrels; and fruit such as apples, grapes and pears if you’re lucky enough to have badgers wandering around.
The key here is to not feed the animals too regularly, as you don’t want local wildlife to become dependent on it. Just leave a few bits every now and then and we’re sure they’ll be snapped up by hungry critters in no time.
Don’t forget the fresh water
Even though it’s the wet season, it’s also a good idea to place a shallow dish of fresh water on the ground for any local wildlife that’s feeling a bit parched. Bird baths are a great addition too, as your feathered friends can use it as a relaxed meeting spot the way office workers gather around a water cooler.
Clean bird boxes and feeders
Speaking of garden birds, it’s time to clean out any bird boxes, feeders and baths so that they remain welcoming and hygienic. Clean water helps birds to remain healthy during winter, just make sure to check the bird bath for ice and replace the water as and when required.
Melt a hole in your garden pond
If you have a pond in your garden and it freezes over, creating a hole allows wildlife to enter and exit easily. Please don’t pour hot water straight onto the ice, as this sends shockwaves through the pond and disturbs the wildlife inside it. Instead, fill a saucepan with hot water from the kettle and place it on the surface of the ice until a hole is formed (just make sure not to lose your pan in the process).
Always check before gardening
When out doing a spot of winter gardening, always check compost heaps, piles of leaves, log stacks and other areas before handling them. Chances are there will be numerous types of wildlife resting there, so give them some space and garden around their hibernation area as much as possible.
Ask us about our gardening services
If you need help with your garden during winter or any other time of year, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team through our contact form.
Tagged as: gardening advice
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