Wildlife gardening: preparing for winter
By Natalie Rogers,
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Winter
can be a tough time for local wildlife, especially with the extreme cold and
snow that we have experienced in the past few years. There are some simple steps
that you can take to ensure wildlife can thrive in your garden and the good news
is it means there’s less tidying to do! The cuttings, fallen leaves and trimmed
branches can all provide excellent habitats for local wildlife so before you
rake it all away, why not create a sheltered corner for wildlife in your garden
this winter?
- Protect the frogs and newts that visit your pond.
Whilst most amphibians leave the pond during the winter and find a terrestrial hibernation site, some stay in the pond and can survive the winter fully submerged. If however, the surface is allowed to freeze completely, there can be a depletion of the oxygen in the water and a build up of noxious gases. To avoid this happening, place a ball on the pond surface so that a hole is left in the ice in the event of it freezing. If your pond has already frozen over, place a pan of hot water on the surface to gently melt a hole in the ice.
- Feed your local hedgehog.
Winter can be a difficult period for mammals as there is less natural food available. Some mammal species have overcome this problem by hibernating through the winter. The hedgehog hibernation period is from November to March but is dependant on weather conditions and food availability. You can help the hedgehog by providing a suitable hibernation site in your garden such as a log pile covered in leaves in a shady, quiet corner. Also, please remember to check any bonfires for hedgehogs and other wildlife before they are lit!
- Encourage birds to nest and feed in your garden.
Our gardens are extremely important for birds, often providing suitable nesting sites and food throughout the winter months. The first step to attracting birds to your garden is to provide the three basic resources; shelter, food and water.
Putting up a nest box is a simple way of encouraging wildlife into your garden. Hanging bird feeders and providing bird seed and suet balls is a common way to encourage birds to your garden. However, adding some interesting plants to your garden can also provide natural food sources for birds including berries, seeds or insects which will be attracted to the plants. Plants such as spindle, fruit trees, holly and bramble are good sources for berries, clematis, sunflower and teasel are good for seeds, and buddleia, honeysuckle and herbs will attract insects which the birds will feed on.
For more details and many other ideas, visit the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust website at www.hwt.org.uk or contact Wildline@hwt.org.uk