Caring for wildlife in the autumn garden

Trees are one of the most important assets for wildlife. Not only do they provide shelter and a place to raise the young, but they are also important for hibernating creatures. During the winter, insects such as ladybirds will find a dry spot under the bark for their winter rest, while the leaves that fall from the boughs become a welcome, pillowy nest for hedgehogs and other creatures. Autumn is a great time to plant trees as the ground is still warm, and with moisture, roots have a chance to take hold before spring. For the garden beds, resist the temptation to pristinely cut plants back- seedheads, leaves and other old vegetation are prized by wildlife, whilst Ivy, one of the last flowering plants, provides an important, late season nectar source for bees.

Now is the time to put up a nest box or give an established one a good clean as the chicks will have safely fledged. Often used for shelter over the winter months, birds will also be looking out for potential breeding sites for next spring, so putting one in place now ensures that they have time to notice its presence. New advances in technology allow the placement of cameras within nest boxes so that you can share the joy of a new brood without disturbing the family – these can be installed in the months ahead, ready for spring, or start your viewing now and see who makes the box their winter abode.

As food becomes scarce for our feathered friends, they will use up a lot of energy searching for sustenance. From seeds to fat balls, there are many bird food options available, so it is worth checking the species that visit, so that you can offer the best sized seed for them. Always ensure there is water available for them (a ping pong ball in a bird bath or pond should help stop the water from freezing over) and that feeders are regularly cleaned to avoid disease.

Another beloved garden visitor, the hedgehog, will also be frantically building up its fat reserves for hibernation. Providing food and shelter for this gentle friend will bring much joy to your garden in the long term, as there is nothing more wonderful than hearing one snuffling around outside. The State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2022 report revealed that British hedgehogs have declined by between 30-75% in rural areas since 2000, so anything gardeners can do to boost their numbers should be a priority.

Don’t forget the many insects that also seek shelter from winter’s cold embrace. A bug hotel, made of tubes, replicates the nooks and crannies of log piles, adding respite for ladybirds, solitary bees and other bugs. Position it away from human traffic, sheltered from the weather and leave it undisturbed, until the warm rays of spring allow the inhabitants to emerge unscathed.