How to create a warm welcome for wildlife this winter

As the days grow shorter and the air carries that crisp, frosty bite, the wildlife in our gardens are busy preparing for the colder months ahead. While we might bundle up with hot chocolate and fuzzy blankets, our animal friends need a little extra help to find a cosy nook to settle down for winter. Sean McMenemy, passionate nature expert and founder of Ark Wildlife, shares some advice on how to turn your garden into the perfect hideaway for creatures looking to shelter and hibernate. 

Fuel wildlife for the cold 

“Even in the frostiest months, much of our local wildlife can still be found searching for a bite to eat, such as birds and squirrels. Not every creature is ready to settle down for a long winter’s nap. But with nature’s pantry running low, a little helping hand can make all the difference. 

“Bird feeders are a fantastic way to offer much-needed energy to our feathered friends. Fill them with seeds, nuts and suet – rich in fats and nutrients that will help them stay warm and fuel their busy little wings. You'll soon spot a flurry of activity as robins, tits and maybe even the occasional woodpecker stop by for a snack. But it’s not just about feeders! If you have fruit trees, leave a few fallen apples or pears on the ground. Hedgehogs, blackbirds and even insects will appreciate the sugary pick me up as they prepare for the chilly days ahead. Late butterflies, such as commas, will indulge in a little fermented fruit left on the lawn. 

“For our beloved prickly pals, the hedgehog, providing a hearty meal can make all the difference as they gear up for hibernation. Hedgehog food is a delightful and nutritious option to help them build up their energy reserves before settling down for the season. You can also leave out dog or cat food to help them pile on the pounds. Hedgehogs need to weigh around 600 grams (that’s about the size of a grapefruit) to survive winter’s icy grip! So, offering supplementary food can make a world of difference. Just be sure to skip the milk as their tummies can’t handle it. With a little extra care, you can ensure these charming creatures have the energy they need to curl up for winter, ready to wake and explore when spring arrives!” 

Build a winter retreat for your garden visitors

“As winter approaches, many of our garden visitors are searching for a cosy spot to hunker down. Whether it’s for hibernation or just staying out of the cold, you can make your garden the go-to winter retreat for all kinds of critters. 

“For our spiky friends, they need a snug spot to snooze away the winter months. One of the simplest ways to help is providing them with a hedgehog house, the Homes for Hedgehog starter pack includes everything needed to encourage hedgehogs to settle in your garden. With a predator-resistant entrance tunnel, spacious bed chamber, and eco-friendly timber construction, it's a great option to ensure a safe and warm space. Alternatively, you can simply leave a corner of your garden wild with sticks, logs and garden debris to create a comfy hideaway where hedgehogs will feel right at home! 

“While birds may not hibernate, they still need some extra shelter to survive the harsh winds and frosty nights. This is where with winter roosting pouches come in! A well-placed roosting pouch gives small birds like robins, tits and sparrows a safe, snug space to roost when the weather turns rough. For the best chance of attracting feathered friends, make sure they’re placed in a sheltered spot, away from cold winter winds, rain and snow.” 

“Insects might not need a warm bed to snooze in, but they do appreciate a safe spot to hide out during the cold months. Leaving piles of fallen leaves and old logs undisturbed can give beneficial bugs like beetles and ladybirds the shelter they need. For something a bit fancier, consider building an insect hotel! A simple bundle of bamboo canes or a wooden box filled with natural materials can offer plenty of nooks and crannies for bugs to nestle in. 

“Frogs and toads may seem like tough little creatures, but they still need a damp, cosy spot to ride out the cold. A pile of rocks or leaves, or a patch of undisturbed soil, can give them the perfect shelter.” 

Keep water flowing in the cooler months 

“While it’s easy to think wildlife goes thirsty only during the summer heatwaves, water is just as important in winter! When ponds freeze and puddles dry up, your garden visitors will still need access to fresh water. 

“Birds may not need as much water as in summer, but they still need a reliable source to drink from – and to keep their feathers clean and fluffy! A bird bath is perfect for this, but when the temperatures drop, you’ll want to make sure it’s winter ready. Ceramic bird baths can be beautiful, but they’re not always up for the winter challenge! They can crack in the cold, so it's best to swap them out for something more frost-resistant, like a sturdy plastic or metal dish. 

“Keep an eye on the water to make sure it doesn’t freeze solid. A little trick is to pop a ping pong ball in the water, the movement will help stop the surface from icing over. If it does freeze, just gently break the ice or add some fresh water and your feathered friends will flock to their chilly watering hole in no time. 

“If you have a pond, keeping part of it ice-free during winter is super important for all the amphibians, fish, and other wildlife that call it home. A floating ball or a pond de-icer can create a little opening in the ice, allowing oxygen to flow into the water and preventing harmful gases from building up beneath the surface. If your pond does freeze, resist the urge to smash the ice – this can send shockwaves through the water, potentially harming the creatures underneath. Instead, gently place a warm pan of water on the ice to melt a small hole naturally. Your pond residents will appreciate the effort, and you’ll help ensure they stay safe and sound all winter long!” 

For more expert advice from Sean, and to browse Ark Wildlife’s range of solutions for wildlife, visit www.arkwildlife.co.uk. 

Ends

Editors notes

Ark Wildlife is a UK-based company specialising in wildlife-friendly products and solutions. They are known for providing a wide range of products designed to support and encourage wildlife in gardens and outdoor spaces, while inspiring its customers to make one small, simple step to help nature thrive.

Ark Wildlife offers a wide array of bird feeders, bird foods, and bird care accessories to attract and nourish birds such as robins, blue tits, sparrows, and other garden birds. They also provide habitats for hedgehogs, bats, and insects, aiming to create a balanced and biodiverse ecosystem in domestic environments.

The business was founded by wildlife enthusiast Sean McMenemy, an expert with an unparalleled understanding of garden wildlife which dates back to a passion developed during his childhood. He is regarded as a leading authority on garden wildlife and has personally driven more innovation, quality and convenience to the bird food and wildlife market than anyone else.