As the days get shorter and the temperature starts to drop, we begin to wrap up warm and enjoy the cosiness of the winter months. From frosty mornings, to crisp walks in the countryside, the beauty of nature provides us with plenty to appreciate. However, the transition into the colder seasons can provide challenges for our local wildlife. Colder weather, frozen water sources and a shortage of natural food can make it especially difficult for birds and other animals to survive.
The good news is there are plenty of small changes we can all make to help!
Here are some simple things we can do to give wildlife an extra helping hand this winter.
- A little food goes a long way
One of the easiest ways to support local wildlife is by providing food for garden birds. As natural food sources become harder to find, bird feeders can become an important source of energy to help many creatures keep warm.There are lots of suitable foods you could offer, from traditional bird seed to sunflower seeds and unsalted peanuts. Fat-based foods can also be particularly helpful during the colder weather as they provide a concentrated source of energy.
It’s important to keep any feeders topped up with fresh food that is changed regularly, and to keep the feeding area clean to prevent the spread of any diseases. It is also helpful to consider the positioning of any bird feeders in the garden, make sure you choose a spot where birds can feed safe from predators, ideally in a place with natural cover nearby such as shrubs or hedges.
You don't need to spend lots of money to help either! Making homemade fat balls to offer is an inexpensive way to support wildlife, and is a lovely opportunity to spend a little time at home doing something positive for the natural world! You can see a quick and easy fat ball recipe here.
Top tip: The National Trust advise against using soft fats such as margarine or left over fat from baking trays as these substances can stick to the birds’ feathers.
- Water is essential
When temperatures fall below freezing, natural water sources can become frozen which makes it even harder for animals to find somewhere to drink. One simple solution is to put a shallow dish of fresh water in your garden. A bird bath or a sturdy, shallow container can work well, provided it has gently sloping sides to prevent any wildlife becoming trapped, and is positioned in a shaded, safe place. Adding a few stones or pebbles can also give smaller animals better accessibility.
During freezing weather, try to check the water regularly and replace it with fresh water when needed. If the surface freezes, remove the ice and refill the container. Avoid using any salt or antifreeze to prevent the water from freezing, as this could harm the wildlife.
- Making your garden into a winter haven
One of the best ways to help a variety of species this winter is to avoid being too tidy! Fallen leaves, logs and quiet corners can provide safe shelter for insects and other small creatures during the colder months. Before clearing piles of leaves or rearranging, take a moment to check whether anything might be sheltering underneath. Consider leaving a small area of your garden undisturbed to allow nature to thrive, and small animals to claim a quiet home. You could also maintain small gaps in fences to help hedgehogs move between gardens (where it is safe and practical to do so!).
Helping wildlife does not always have to mean buying something new or making huge changes; sometimes simply leaving nature to do its own thing can be one of the most helpful contributions we can make.
Top Tips
- Keep bird feeders topped up with suitable food
- Have a go at making your own DIY fat balls
- Put out fresh water and check it regularly during freezing temperatures
- Clean bird feeders and water containers to help prevent disease
- Leave some natural shelter, such as leaf piles or logs, undisturbed
- Check piles of leaves or any garden waste carefully before moving them
- Enjoy watching the wildlife from a respectful distance, without disturbing or scaring it