Winter Homes for Wildlife
At this time of year, safe havens for wildlife to hide over winter are at the forefront of my mind. Your own home may well be the choice for some of our wild neighbours — Harlequin ladybirds tucked into windowsills, bats roosting in outbuildings, and, if you’re really lucky, tortoiseshell butterflies nestled in a dry corner. These might be relatively easy to spot since they’re sharing your space, but don’t forget all the other species out there that rely on less obvious, and arguably less fashionable, accommodation during the colder months.
Leaf Litter
Growing up, I always looked at piles of leaf litter as perfect homes for hedgehogs. This is undoubtedly true, but leaf litter is home to so much more! Beneath those crispy layers live woodlice, centipedes, beetles, worms and spiders — all vital parts of the ecosystem, helping to recycle nutrients and feed other wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a mysterious dusty web gluing together a furled leaf, a sure sign that a small spider or even a moth larvae has made it its winter den. So next time you’re tempted to sweep up those leaves, think twice. That “mess” might be a miniature hotel for hibernators!
Standing dead and tussocky vegetation
Those dead flower heads that have lost their summer colours? They are still doing important work! Hollow stems and seed heads provide shelter for beetles and other invertebrates, and they also hold seeds for hungry birds. Similarly, tussocky grass (the long, uncut kind that grows in rough patches) is a vital refuge for overwintering bumblebee queens. They burrow down between the stems where it’s insulated and safe from frost. So, resist the urge to tidy your garden too much — a little wildness goes a long way!
Warm Corners and Compost Bins
Your compost heap isn’t just a place for vegetable peelings, it’s a five-star resort for reptiles and amphibians! Slow worms, frogs, and even grass snakes might use the warmth from decomposing material to survive the winter. Try not to disturb your compost too much over the colder months to avoid evicting any hidden guests.
Homes We Can Make
There are plenty of ways to lend a helping hand to wildlife through the winter. Here are a few ideas you can try at home:
- Flower pots with straw: Great for bees, ladybirds, and other small insects looking for somewhere dry.
- Plant a tree: It might not provide much shelter straight away, but a well-placed tree can become a wonderful labyrinth of shelter for year to come. Even a small native tree can provide shelter, food, and nesting spots for countless species.
- Amphibian and reptile shelter: Pile up logs, stones, or broken terracotta or metal sheeting in a quiet corner of the garden — a perfect “hibernaculum” for frogs, toads, and newts.
- Owl nesting boot: I saw an idea recently where you can secure a wellyboot to a tree, tread against the trunk and toe facing down with a few holes in the tip for drainage. The idea was that, stuffed with a little straw or shavings, owls may used them to shelter in over winter. I’m not totally sure how well this would work but it does seem like a cool idea for some sort of wildlife shelter…maybe give it a go?
Feed the Birds
Aside from nesting space food can still be a big concern for wildlife that stays active over winter. Hanging up fat balls, seeds, and peanuts can make a huge difference for birds overwinter. Just remember, once you start feeding birds, try to keep it up through the winter, as they’ll come to rely on your kindness. You can find lots of great advice and ideas on feeding birds on the RSPB website, especially around Feed the Birds Day, a national reminder that evensmall actions can make a big difference.
A Final Thought
So this winter, before tidying up your garden, have a look around and ask yourself, who might be living here?