Preparing Your Garden For Autumn Wildlife
Although it feels like summer has only just arrived, Autumn is on the horizon, and wildlife will need our help to thrive and survive as the temperatures drop.
Whether it's putting bird feeders out, hanging up nest boxes or creating a compost heap with decaying plant material and fallen leaves, there are so many ways we can help garden wildlife as we head into Autumn and the winter months.
Small mammals, garden birds and other wildlife will appreciate the effort, however big or small, as your garden will become a haven for these creatures to hang around in for the colder months.
Garden Wildlife In Autumn
In the Autumn, many birds head off to warmer climates to spend the winter months and head back to the UK for a Spring garden, but some garden birds stay in the UK and rely on supplementary food, such as fat balls, to survive the weather conditions.
Our feathered friends who spend Autumn and Winter here include Blue Tits, Sparrows and Robins - so be sure to look out for these small birds this Autumn.
Small mammals, such as Hedgehogs, Squirrels and mice, are either preparing to go into hibernation or are collecting food for their food cache.
Many insects, including butterflies and bees, spend the Autumn trying to find a safe spot to spend the winter, a lot of insects, including butterflies, overwinter which means they spend the cold months in a dormant stay (Similar to hibernation).
Creating Food Sources for Garden Birds & Wildlife
A simple way to attract birds and help them through the colder months is to install feeders and fill them with seeds like sunflower hearts, peanuts or mixed seeds.
Pop the feeders in a safe, but visible and easily accessible spot and local wildlife will flock to your outside space.
High-energy fat balls or suet blocks provide a crucial food source during colder months when insects are less available. So grab a fat ball feeder and help our native species of birds.
Leave seed heads on plants like cone flowers and sunflowers to provide food for birds. Allow some leaves to remain on the ground, as they can host insects and provide food for foraging birds. You could also plant native plants in a plant pot to attract insects and birds.
An active compost heap attracts insects that are a food source for birds. It also provides a habitat for small mammals. Make sure to keep the compost bin accessible but not overly disturbed. It provides essential nutrients for plants and trees and can attract beneficial wildlife.
If you're leaving out food, it might be worth also popping out a shallow dish filled with fresh water to provide birds with somewhere to bathes and drink from. As it's important for animals to have water sources they can rely on as well as food.
Providing Safe Spaces
Our gardens can provide diverse habitats for so many animals, insects and birds. You can go for the route of installing already build nest boxes, or if you're feeling creative build your own, as this is a great way of providing a safe environment for birds and other animals to spend time in. Remember to regularly clean nest boxes!
For mammals like hedgehog, a specific hedgehog house provides a space for these animals to hibernate.
Leave hollow plant stems laying around as these provide insects, like bees and lady bugs and other insects, with a safe space to call home in hollow stems. A bug hotel is also a great way to help these little creepy crawlies, pop it in a quiet corner and let them spend the winter months there.
Leaf piles are the perfect way to create habitats for insects, whilst also create foraging opportunities for birds - leading to a thriving ecosystem! The decaying plant material can act as a place for warmth and shelter for small mammals and insects too. Falling leaves can be the perfect addition to any wildlife garden!
During the colder months, reptiles like male frogs tend to spend time at the bottom of garden ponds. If it's really cold and the pond is at risk of icing over, pop a tennis or golf ball or small ball into the water so that it won't ice over completely.
Enhance Your Garden Environment
You can keep your garden looking good whilst also caring for the animals. Incorporate native plants that provide shelter and food for wildlife into your design. This can be ornamental grasses or wildflowers. Late Autumn is a great time to plant wildflowers in time for next Spring.
Plant trees to encourage nesting and foraging and enrich any soil with green manures. In the Autumn and Winter, leave your herbaceous borders so that decaying plants protect and give warmth to animals.
Plant bulbs such as Grape Hyacinth and Snowdrops to create an early spring food source for pollinators, so by the time summer comes round again you can enjoy watching all of the local creatures in your own garden.
Our most important tip is to avoid disturbing any sheltered spot for the animal in your garden, this way they can thrive in a stress free environment, which is an essential part of a wildlife garden.
Caring for Your Outdoor Space Year-Round
A thriving garden ecosystem relies on several key components that work together to support wildlife throughout the year. Food sources are fundamental; ensure that your garden offers a year-round supply of nutrition for its visitors.
In addition to maintaining bird feeders and providing natural seed heads, a well-managed compost bin can attract beneficial insects and contribute to soil health. Shelter is equally important.
Providing a variety of shelters, such as nest boxes for birds and small mammals, and leaf piles for insects, creates safe spaces for wildlife to rest and hide. As the seasons change, these shelters offer crucial protection from harsh weather and predators.
Finally, native species play a vital role in supporting local wildlife. Incorporating native plants into your garden ensures that the flora is adapted to the local environment, providing appropriate food and habitat for local insects, birds, and mammals.
By focusing on these essential elements—food sources, shelter, and native plants—you’ll foster a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem in your garden.
