Looking after the wildlife
How to look after our wildlife friends this winter.
Wow, it hasn’t half got colder – the nights are drawing in and the leaves are turning brown!
Although us ducks are fairly well accustomed to the colder months, with lower temperatures disrupting hibernations and stopping essential plants from growing, some of our wildlife friends need some extra help to get them through. So what is the best way to care for them? We’ve put together our top tips on how to help!
Build A Hedgehog House
We just LOVE our hedgy friends but sadly, according to the WWF, hedgehogs have dropped in numbers by 98% since the 1950s.
Hedgehogs are most vulnerable in the autumn and winter months, so in order to protect them, leave out any wet dog or cat food for them to eat. You can also start a hedgehog home with compost, logs and leaves for them to shelter and keep cosy!
Bird Houses and Feeders
The garden birds love staying cosy, but with the weather turning it can be harder for them to find food and shelter.
Set up feeders, birdhouses and bird baths throughout the garden and buy high-protein foods such as fat balls, nuts and sunflower seeds as an ideal food choice for our bird friends!
Don’t Cut The Grass
For many people, the garden can be a source of great pride and joy, but don’t be tempted to cut all of the grass for the winter months.
Leaving a longer patch can provide shelter for small animals such as field mice and insects in the colder season.
Create A Bug Hotel
You can create a place to stay for all the bugs and insects in the colder months! Next time the garden is being tidied, put aside any twigs, leaves, stones and foliage and create a pile in a quieter part of the garden. This makes for an ideal environment for smaller insects to shelter.
Don’t Overdo It
We know it can be hard, but try to avoid making too many adjustments to the garden, as it could affect any areas wildlife have started to adapt into a shelter.
The lawn and plants can stay uncut to provide a habitat for insects, rodents and small birds.
Injured Animals
Finally, and most importantly if you see any of our animal friends injured in your garden, approach with caution as it could be distressed and react with a bite or scratch. Always wear gloves if moving an animal and call the RSPCA for further guidance on where you should take them.