How to help wildlife thrive in your winter garden

The lawn is beneath a blanket of frost, the trees are bare and the temperature is still dropping. Wintertime is when wildlife – big and small – needs our help the most. Here’s how…

‘It’s essential to maintain bird feeders and birdbaths properly,’ says Maria Kincaid, head ornithologist at FeatherSnap. ‘Food left for too long can spoil or grow mould, which can be harmful or even deadly to birds. Regularly cleaning the feeder is vital to prevent the build-up of bacteria that can spread disease among bird populations.’

Likewise, Dawn Ritchie, garden wildlife expert at B&Q, suggests giving your bird box TLC in between feathered visitors: ‘If you haven’t seen any change to it in four weeks, remove any old nesting material, making sure to clean the inside of the box with boiling water to kill parasites before putting it back.’

Autumn Barlow of Coronation Gardens for Food and Nature says providing water is one of the most effective things you can do – and it’s not just for birds. Small mammals and insects need water, too. ‘It helps if the bowl has a shallow, textured edge so wildlife can easily get in and out,’ she says.

Do check for ice. ‘Regularly break ice on ponds and shallow bird baths for access to water,’ adds garden consultant and landscaper Claudia de Yong.

Your compost can create the perfect bedroom for sleeping animals, so make sure to check for animals before turning it, suggests Dawn. ‘And, of course, be careful to check bonfires for hibernating animals before you light them.’

According to Toby Davies, wildlife co-ordinator at The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, piles of leaves or logs create great hibernating spots for hedgehogs, while compost piles can provide a home for toads. Dark zones can also help – if you have garden lights, keep them pointing downwards in concentrated areas to avoid disrupting the natural rhythms of animals.

It might be tempting to prune your plants, but don’t go too hard with deadheading, says Autumn. ‘Birds and small mammals will love being able to snack on seed heads and old fruits left on many of your garden plants.’

Try these tips on tasty treats from tree and ecology surveyors, Arbtech

Birds

Help build up their fat reserves ahead of winter by leaving out seeds, nuts and fruits such as apples, pears and berries. Dried or live mealworms are great for robins and blue tits, while chocolate is a no go as it contains theobromine, which is toxic to birds.

Badgers

These nocturnal visitors enjoy a variety of foods, including raw unsalted peanuts, apples, pears and berries. But avoid milk and dairy products, as well as foods that contain additives and sugars, as badgers cannot digest these.

Hedgehogs

Specially formulated hedgehog food is nutrient-rich, but you can also leave out wet cat or dog food. Foods to avoid include bread, milk, raw meat and eggs, as well as whole nuts and seeds. When to serve dinner? Dusk is a prime time to leave out a small, shallow dish – just remember to remove it the following morning.

Squirrels

Squirrels love (unsalted and unroasted) hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and pecans. Sunflower seeds are also high in fats and energy – but offer them sparingly. Avoid raw corn kernels and the skin and pits of avocados, which can be harmful if ingested.

Bella is our Homes Editor, covering interiors, décor, gardens, and shopping. Prior to this role, she contributed to Good Housekeeping features. When she’s not writing, Bella can be found scouring second-hand markets for covetable vintage homeware, entertaining guests at home, and exploring art exhibitions.