So what would you ask us?
Have you contacted WildLine yet? It’s the Trust’s free information service and, as these typical questions show, we can answer almost anything.
How can I prevent my pond from freezing over in the winter?
It
is important to stop your pond from freezing over in the winter as it can lead
to the accumulation of gases such as methane and hydrogen sulphide that are
released by decaying plants. Pond inhabitants can survive when the majority of
the surface is frozen as long as the oxygen content of the water is maintained
and the methane gases are not allowed to build up. Heaters can be bought for
large ponds, and water features will sometimes disturb the water enough to
prevent it from freezing. Placing a hot pan of water on the ice to create a hole
(not pouring the water on the ice) or leaving a ball in your pond and removing
it when the pond is frozen are both very effective methods for releasing gas
from the pond. Smashing ice is not advised as the shockwaves can kill the
creatures in your pond.
When do hedgehogs hibernate?
Hedgehogs
will generally settle down to hibernate in November or December but can been
seen as late as January. They will stay active as long as there is food around.
If you are putting food out in your garden for hedgehogs they will make the most
of the opportunity and fatten up before going into hibernation. Piles of logs
and leaves are excellent hibernation sites, so this winter make sure that you
check your bonfires before you light them.
How can I make a bird box?
Putting up a nest box is a simple way to encourage wildlife into your garden. Natural nest sites, such as hollow trees or cavities of old buildings, are fast disappearing so by putting up a nest box you can provide nesting birds with a suitable home. Full instructions of how to build a nest box can be found in the WildLine factsheet, Your guide to nest boxes… building, siting and maintaining your nest box, which can be downloaded from the Trust’s website or requested by contacting WildLine.
Can you help identify this snake I found in my compost?
Your
compost lodger is actually a slow worm, which is a legless lizard and not a
snake. Slow worms are often found in garden compost bins and on allotments as
they favour the warm conditions created by rotting vegetation. Slow worms are
characterised by their shiny appearance and brown/copper colour. They can grow
up to 35cm in length, but may be shorter if they have lost their tail – a common
defence mechanism used by lizards. Slow worms are a protected species. It is
illegal to kill, injure or disturb them or to destroy their resting places or
breeding sites.
We regularly have badgers visiting our garden. Is this unusual?
Badgers
are nocturnal so most people will miss any visits to their gardens. They are
territorial and will use the same route to hunt and forage. They will often
enter gardens in search of food. A tell-tale sign of this are ‘snuffle holes’
which are small pits produced by the digging action of the badger looking for
worms and invertebrates in the soil. Although it’s best not to encourage wild
animals to become dependent on artificial food, they will benefit from food in
the winter and spring when other sources may be scarce. Dog food, fruit and
unsalted nuts are all good choices, although they may then start on your
vegetable patch, so be warned!
How can I make my garden more wildlife friendly?
Gardens are extremely important for wildlife. Not only can they provide food and shelter for a huge range of plants and animals, but they can form natural ‘bridges’ between built-up and open areas. These bridges allow wildlife to move between sites relatively easily and safely. Gardens can also provide habitats that may be missing in your local area such as ponds and suitable hibernation or nesting sites. There are lots of things you can do to encourage wildlife into your garden, including digging a pond, creating a wildflower meadow and starting a compost heap. The Trust has a range of ‘Gardening for Wildlife’ information leaflets which can help you make your garden more wildlife friendly, whatever its size and shape.
Now contact us
WildLine
is managed by the Trust’s Assistant Biodiversity Information Officer, Natalie
Rogers, supported by two regular WildLine volunteers, Alice Walker and Emma
Fegan. Here’s how to get in touch: tel - 01489 774 446, email -
WildLine@hwt.org.uk, web -
www.hwt.org.uk, or write to WildLine,
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane,
Curdridge, Hampshire, SO32 2DP.