Helping Wildlife This Winter

Winter is a time of beauty and rest, but for many of our garden visitors, it’s also a season of survival. If you’re a nature lover, gardener or simply someone who cherishes the sight of chirping birds and buzzing bees, there are plenty of ways to lend a helping hand. Helping wildlife this winter doesn’t just benefit the creatures; it brings balance, joy and life to your garden.

Why Support Winter Wildlife in Your Garden?

Supporting wildlife during winter isn’t just about kindness—it’s a win for your garden too!

  • Better Pollination: By supporting pollinators like bees, butterflies and other insects, you’ll enjoy improved pollination come spring, which means more flourishing flowers and thriving vegetables.
  • Natural Pest Control: Ladybirds, frogs, birds and hedgehogs naturally combat garden pests, saving you the hassle of chemical treatments.
  • Balanced Ecosystems: Wildlife keeps your garden’s ecosystem balanced, ensuring no one species dominates, whether it’s plants or pests.
  • Reduce Chemical Dependency: With beneficial creatures at work, you’ll rely less on pesticides and fertilisers, making your garden a safer, eco-friendly haven.
  • Enhanced Enjoyment: There’s nothing quite like relaxing in a garden alive with the sights and sounds of nature—it’s like a private concert from Mother Earth herself!

How to Support Wildlife This Winter

1. Provide Habitats

Imagine a hedgehog snuggled up in your garden for winter! Create homes for wildlife by adding hedgehog houses, insect hotels or leaving log piles in your garden. Birds will appreciate nesting boxes or dense shrubs for shelter. It’s all about making space for them to hunker down during the cold months.

2. Plant for Pollinators

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your garden has to be bare. Plant winter-blooming flowers like hellebores, snowdrops or winter heather to provide vital nectar for pollinators. Bees and butterflies are often searching for a little energy boost on mild winter days and your garden can be their saving grace.

3. Feed the Birds

Picture this—starling song in the morning as you sip your tea. Birds rely on gardens for food during harsh winters, so set up feeders with energy-packed seeds, suet balls and peanuts. Remember to keep feeders clean to prevent disease. And if you’re feeling extra generous, add water dishes that won’t freeze!

4. Companion Planting

Did you know some plants naturally protect others? Companion planting combines certain species to support pollinators while deterring pests. For example, plant marigolds to protect veggies or lavender to attract bees. Even over winter, planning your spring planting can make your garden a friendlier place for wildlife.

5. Leave Areas Untouched

Does the idea of “wild and free” appeal to you? Sometimes, the best thing you can do for wildlife is… nothing! Leave some areas of your garden untouched. Piles of leaves, overgrown corners, or quiet logs provide the perfect habitats for hedgehogs, insects and frogs.

6. Use Eco-Friendly Gardening Practices

Skip harsh chemicals this winter to protect the fragile creatures working below the surface, like earthworms and beetles. Opt for natural fertilisers or pest deterrents and make compost to enrich your soil sustainably.

A Garden Full of Life Awaits You

This winter, your garden has the power to be more than just a pretty scene dusted with frost—it can be a refuge for creatures great and small. From encouraging better pollination to enjoying delightful bird songs, the benefits are boundless, for both you and the wildlife.

Start small. Get planting, feed the birds, and leave a cosy spot for hedgehogs and bees. Together, we can create vibrant gardens that not only withstand winter but nurture it.

Are you ready to make a difference? Your garden is calling! 🌱

Further Reading: How to Create and Maintain a Garden Pond, Grow Stronger Together Gardening with Companion Planting