Helping Winter Wildlife in Your Garden

Published: 7th Feb 2025

The winter months can often be tough for wildlife, especially when the days are shorter and there is a lack of food around. But there are many things that we can do to give them a helping hand. Read how you can make a difference below!

Feed the birds

If you don’t have one already, a bird feeder is a great accessory to help with feeding the birds in winter. Fill it with peanuts, high-calorie suet or millet. You can pick up bags of bird feed at your local garden centre.

If you’re after a cheaper alternative, utilise your kitchen. You’ll find bread, fruit, cooked potatoes and cheese, all of which birds love. Stay clear of any salty foods as it can be harmful to birds. 

Banish the frost

As the temperature drops, sources of fresh water become harder to find. Regularly fill up your bird baths, as well as placing fresh water at ground level for other visitors to your garden. Aquatic Planters are a great way to care for those thirsty creatures, as well as making a stunning feature in your garden.

If your pond freezes over, don’t hit or crack the ice. This can cause shockwaves through the water and distress the wildlife. Alternatively, use a saucepan of hot water and place on the ice, until an area has melted. 

Be kind to the hedgehogs

Many people are unaware that giving hedgehogs bread and milk can often make them poorly. Instead, put out some cat or dog food (no fish flavours) and some fresh water.

Hedgehogs usually hibernate during the colder months, so their fat reserve is very important. Aid them by providing suitable food (see above) and a comfortable place to sleep. 

Allow your garden to get a bit untidy

Try and resist the urge to prune hedges and clean your borders to allow for wildlife to nest. Many of your garden visitors will shelter in the overgrown foliage or take comfort in leaf piles. 

Check your compost heaps

A composter is a great way to dispose of your kitchen and garden waste. But be sure to always check your compost heaps or large piles of garden debris before burning or placing into garden bins. Hedgehogs (and other small animals) will often make a home here to keep themselves warm.