The days become dark and cold, and the nights even darker and even colder. Winter is the time of year when the wildlife living in and around in our gardens needs us most. It’s easy to think that animals must be adapted to outdoor life, but winter can be a very hard time for wildlife.
Some species, like hedgehogs, need a safe place to hibernate. Birds, bees and insects need food sources.
So you may be asking yourself, ‘how do I make my garden wildlife-friendly this winter?’
Do not fear; there are some simple and inexpensive steps you can take to welcome wildlife into your garden throughout the winter. Whatever the size of your garden, and whatever it’s like, taking these small steps which will make a big difference to the survival of your local wildlife.
Don’t cut back too much – go wild!
A light tidy-up before winter is no bad thing, but avoid the temptation to strip everything back. You also don’t need to let the whole garden go wild. There’s a happy middle ground here.
We suggest choosing an area or corner of your garden and avoiding cutting the plants, trees, shrubs and bushes in this area. If there are fallen leaves here, just leave them be. You can even actively pile up leaves to encourage small mammals like hedgehogs to nest.
Create shelters for hedgehogs and other wildlife
In fact, if you are serious about providing sanctuary for wildlife in your garden, consider shelters. Hedgehog numbers have drastically dropped with up to three quarters having been lost over the last 20 years.
Consequently, our little prickly friends are particularly in need of shelters to safely hibernate in. Create a simple shelter from logs or if you’re handy, go all out by constructing a simple hedgehog house.
Creating a shelter for your local hedgehogs will have the added benefit of attracting beetles, woodlouse and even toads. Make sure to check any compost or leaf piles for hedgehogs in spring before clearing or turning over.
Set up wildlife feeding stations
It can be tough for birds to find food in the winter. Setting up a bird feeder can make a big difference. There are so many types available – from simple feeders which hang in trees to large-scale bird tables. Don’t forget water too. Check out the RSPB’s tips for feeding birds in the winter.
Although hedgehogs mostly hibernate in winter, they may still need to eat during this time. It’s ok to leave out food for them, but only if it is being taken. Please also leave out a shallow dish of water – and make sure it doesn’t freeze over.
What should hedgehogs eat?
Remember, the old ideas about what hedgehogs should eat were very wrong and caused more harm than good. The best supplementary food for hedgehogs is dry kitten food, or wet meat-based cat or dog food. Hedgehog Street has plenty of helpful advice.
Ensure your pond is available for wildlife
Ponds are brilliant for attracting wildlife to your garden – and for keeping it there. If you don’t yet have a pond, there are lots of reasons why it can be a good idea. Our team are always happy to advise, and do the heavy work for you!
Don’t be tempted to cover your pond over the winter. Most ponds won’t freeze and ponds are important for birds. Not only do ponds give birds somewhere to wash (important for keeping their feathers in good condition), but birds will drink from ponds and even find bugs to eat.
One important thing to remember: make sure your pond has an exit ramp. Add in a piece of wood at a gentle gradient to ensure hedgehogs can climb out. Frogs and toads will also be grateful!
Plant winter flowers and berries
Your garden is your garden all year long, so it’s a waste to concentrate on only the spring and summer months for colour.
A few careful choices will make the world of difference to birds, insects and bees in your garden.
For bees choose the nectar-rich beautiful Myretoun Ruby, iconic white Christmas Roses, Mahonia × media ‘Winter Sun’ or gorgeously seasonal snowdrops.
To help feed birds, consider Rowan trees, Hawthorn and the classic Holly and Ivy.
If you need help, our team are available to do the hard work for you, whether as a one-off or a regular service. Get in touch for a chat.