Some garden birds & native garden animals have seen drastic decline in the last 50 years:
Tree sparrows ⇩ 97%
Starlings ⇩ 85%
Bullfinches ⇩ 53%
Song thrushes ⇩ 48%

Fortunately, there are many simple ways for everyone to lend our garden wildlife a helping hand this winter…

Feed the birds
Birds can expend a huge amount of energy just staying warm during cold winter nights, meaning that finding food is a top priority during daylight hours. Providing a consistent supply of energy-rich foods can make an enormous difference to native birds, whilst also providing you with a fantastic opportunity to watch them. 

Provide water
Finding fresh water is just as important as finding food because animals still need to drink. Birds also need to bathe regularly to keep their plumage in good condition, so putting out a shallow dish of fresh water is another simple way to help. 

Hedgehogs, frogs, toads, newts, bats and many insects spend the winter months hibernating. Leaving a few piles of logs and leaves in the garden will provide them with a sheltered place to rest. Remember to check bonfires before lighting and compost heaps before turning in case something has taken winter refuge underneath.

Prepare for spring
Late winter is the time to prepare your garden for spring to ensure that it continues to play an important role for wildlife. Nest boxes, which may have been used overwinter as shelters for small birds such as wrens, will need to be cleaned ready for nesting season. Early-flowering plants should be planted to give pollinators an important early source of nectar, and flowerbeds can be mulched to nourish the soil.

For more information about planning and planting for wildlife and increased biodiversity why not contact our team or for more information go to our Environment & Biodiversity Page.