No place like home
We can help birds, insects and frogs survive the cooler months with some simple steps, say experts
AS temperatures drop we turn the heating on and hunker down for cosy days at home – and wildlife is no different. Hedgehogs, birds, amphibians and insects all need a helping hand as they settle down for hibernation, and here are a few of the things you could be doing to give them the best chance of survival during the cooler months.
Give a boost to birds
“Whether you have a garden, balcony, or doorstep, the simplest way to help birds is to put out supplementary food. Sunflower hearts, peanuts, nyjer seed and fatty nibbles will all go down a treat with a range of birds, but do make sure you keep feeding areas clean and hygienic,” says Adrian Thomas, RSPB (rspb.org) wildlife gardening expert.
“Put out leftovers – mild grated cheese, dried fruit, and pastry with real fats will give them an extra energy boost.”
Plant shrubs, trees, and climbing plants to boost food sources, he adds. Finally, there’s shelter. If you’ve planted shrubs or trees, they will be an invaluable roosting space for many birds, while nest boxes can also help.
Don’t forget frogs
“Being cold-blooded, frogs basically park up and close shop for the winter months,” explains Sean McMenemy, founder and managing director of wildlife products specialist Ark
Wildlife (arkwildlife. co.uk).
“Their metabolism slows down to a point where they stop feeding.
Male frogs will go to the bottom of a pond in winter, so it’s a good idea to put a ball on the surface of a pond to stop it freezing over.” Amphibians will also shelter in log piles, but you need to protect them from frost. Dig a small pit – about 8ins deep – filled with stones with plenty of spaces. Either bricks which are offset or have holes in, or rough edged stones to give lots of air gaps. Cover it loosely with soil – it just gets them out of the frost zone.
Make a shelter for insects
“One of the most common things you find in gardens now are solitary bee (nesting) tubes with holes drilled into them,” Sean explains.
“Put them in a garage or shed over winter, to protect them from the cold and predators. Take them outside again in March.”
Beetles need multiple habitats in one – a wet pile and a dry pile – he suggests. Again, digging a hole with stones and offset bricks will protect many insects. Dig it in a south-facing spot, where the grubs will look for the morning sun come spring.
If you want to go DIY, fill a cereal box or a clean jar with newspaper and hang it upside down or line an unused nest box with torn-up newspaper to make an overwintering site for insects.