Looking After The Wildlife In Your Garden In Winter

How to look after garden wildlife in the cold weather

Winter is coming, and with it comes the challenge of keeping your garden wildlife comfortable and healthy in the cold weather. As a responsible pet owner, you want to make sure your garden visitors have enough food, water, and shelter to survive the frosty nights and snowy days. Here are some tips from the team here at Superpet on how to look after garden wildlife in the cold weather. Some of these ideas need to be prepared in advance so make a note ready for next winter! 

1. Provide food and water for birds. Birds are more likely to visit your garden in winter, as natural sources of food become scarce. They need high-energy foods, such as suet, sunflower hearts, peanuts, and niger seeds, to maintain their fat reserves and body temperature. You can also leave out some cooked rice, cheese, or fruit for them. Make sure you clean and refill your bird feeders regularly, and place them near bushes or trees for protection from predators. Don't forget to provide fresh water for birds to drink and bathe, and prevent it from freezing by adding a small ball or twig to the surface.

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2. Create a hedgehog house. Hedgehogs are one of the most beloved garden animals, but they are also vulnerable to the cold and hunger. They usually hibernate from November to March, but may wake up during mild spells and look for food. You can help them by leaving out some meat-based cat or dog food, or specially made hedgehog food (that you can purchase on our website), and a dish of water. You can also make a hedgehog house by using a wooden box, a plastic storage box, or a pile of logs, and filling it with dry leaves, straw, or hay. Place it in a quiet and sheltered spot, and cover it with more leaves or branches.

3. Build a bug hotel. Insects are vital for the ecosystem, as they pollinate plants, decompose organic matter, and provide food for other animals. Many insects hibernate in winter, and need a cool and dry place to rest. You can build a bug hotel by using wooden pallets, bricks, bamboo canes, pine cones, straw, and other natural materials. You can also use old plant pots, plastic bottles, or cardboard tubes. Arrange them in layers, and fill the gaps with different materials to create a variety of habitats. Place your bug hotel in a sunny spot, preferably facing south, and watch as bees, ladybirds, butterflies, and other insects check in.

4. Make a pond or a birdbath. A pond or a birdbath is a great way to attract and help wildlife in your garden. It provides a source of water for drinking and bathing, and a habitat for frogs, newts, dragonflies, and other aquatic creatures. You can make a pond by digging a hole, lining it with a pond liner or a plastic sheet, and filling it with water. You can also use a large container, such as a bucket, a barrel, or a washing-up bowl. Add some plants, rocks, and logs to create a natural look and provide shelter and hiding places. You can also make a birdbath by using a shallow dish, a plant saucer, or a dustbin lid, and placing it on the ground or on a pedestal. Make sure you keep your pond or birdbath clean and ice-free, and avoid using chemicals or detergents.

5. Leave some areas wild. One of the easiest and most effective ways to help garden wildlife in winter is to leave some areas of your garden wild and undisturbed. This means not cutting back dead plants, not raking up fallen leaves, and not tidying up piles of wood or stones. These areas provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for a variety of animals, such as birds, hedgehogs, mice, voles, and insects. They also help to improve the soil quality, retain moisture, and prevent erosion. You can also plant some native trees, shrubs, and flowers, such as hawthorn, holly, ivy, and snowdrops, to provide berries, seeds, nectar, and pollen for wildlife.

By following these tips, you can make your garden a wildlife haven in winter, and enjoy the company of your furry and feathered friends. Remember, if you're feeling cold, your garden wildlife probably is too. So, wrap up warm and share some love with your garden visitors!