Rhian Lubin Alex Lloyd

by and

HIBERNATION season is here but while the nation’s wildlife beds down for the winter, nature lovers should not rest.

Conservationist Chris Packham says this cold season is a crucial time of year for Britain’s animals, who need our help to get through it.

“There’s never a dead time for wildlife because wildlife always has to be on the go,” the BBC Springwatch

presenter says. “Everything is moving through a cycle and in winter there’s an enormous amount of activity.

“Some species do all their breeding in winter, like certain moths and fish. Winter is actually a time of richness and life.”

Chris, 60, who first appeared on TV fronting CBBC’S The Really Wild Show 35 years ago, says it is a misconception that the natural world shuts up shop for winter – and that comes from

PASSIONATE: Chris Packham

the prevalence of broadleaf trees. “When we see them looking stark and bare, we think they’re lifeless, but they are replenishing,” he says.

“If you look at most trees once the leaves come off, they have buds on them for next spring.”

Here, Chris reveals how you can help some of the most common hibernating animals survive – and thrive – this winter.

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