As winter blankets our landscape in serene stillness, it's easy to forget that the chill affects more than just our daily routines—it also impacts the wildlife around us. But your garden holds greater potential for supporting wildlife than you might realise.
In this blog, we'll explore practical and heartwarming ways that you can create a haven for wildlife during winter, turning your garden into a safe and nourishing space for creatures both big and small.
As temperatures drop, many animals seek refuge from the cold. Help them find warmth by placing birdhouses, bat boxes, and other shelters in your garden. They provide cosy spaces for animals to roost, protecting them from the elements and potential predators.
Not only does this help their survival during the bleak winter months, but it also provides you with the joy of observing wildlife activity in your own back garden.
Winter can be a challenging time for birds to find food. Set up bird feeders with a variety of seeds to attract different species. Include high-energy options like suet and peanut butter, which can be vital for birds' survival in colder temperatures. Regularly replenishing the feeders ensures a consistent food source, encouraging birds to frequent your garden.
During winter, frozen ponds and streams restrict access to water, so it's important to provide water for the local wildlife to enjoy.
Consider regularly refreshing a shallow dish with warm water and placing it somewhere in your garden that is easy to access. This small act will make a big difference, especially for creatures like birds and small mammals that rely on water during winter.
Berry-producing shrubs, seed-bearing flowers, and evergreen trees provide not only a visual feast but also serve as essential food sources for animals throughout the winter.
Native trees, plants, and shrubs such as Holly, Rowan, Hawthorne, and Ivy are well-adapted to the local ecosystem, making them an ideal choice for supporting biodiversity.
Resist the urge to clear away all fallen leaves from your garden. Piles of leaves can provide insulation and shelter for insects and other small creatures such as hedgehogs.
Small insects, in turn, attract birds and other wildlife looking for a winter meal. Embrace the beauty of a natural, slightly untamed garden, and let the fallen leaves play their part in supporting your local ecosystem.
Avoid excessive pruning during colder months, as this can remove cosy hiding spots and tasty treats for our furry friends. Instead, let your back garden rock that messy-chic look until spring rolls around. Those fallen leaves and unruly shrubs are perfect hideaways for critters seeking shelter from the winter blues.
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