5 YEAR GUARANTEE 
January is a month filled with anticipation and excitement for the dedicated wildlife gardener. As the dark nights start to recede, it’s time to start preparing for the busy year ahead. This month, your garden will serve as a sanctuary for wildlife seeking refuge from the harsh winter weather. In this guide, we’ve listed some of the key tasks you can undertake to make your garden a haven for local wildlife.
The Importance of Feeding Birds in Winter
Winter can be a tough period for our winged companions, with food becoming a rare commodity. Your garden can offer them a lifeline! Keep a selection of feeders stocked up with nutritious seeds, nuts and fat balls to ensure these frequent visitors are well-fed. It’s not just food they need; fresh, ice-free water is crucial too. Maintain a regularly replenished bird bath. These simple acts of kindness can transform your garden into a vibrant winter diner for birds, bringing a kaleidoscope of colours right to your doorstep!
Managing Decaying Foliage and Pruning Shrubs
January may summon the urge to tidy up the garden, but before brandishing those secateurs and rakes, spare a thought for the tiny critters seeking refuge in the foliage and shrubs. The hollow stems of perennial plants and leaf litter provide essential winter quarters for insects. Overgrown shrubs offer protection for small mammals. Instead of a full clear-up, why not compromise? Leave a portion untouched until warmer months, ensuring our garden friends have a safe haven. But remember, careful trimming and tidying is still necessary for the health of your plants and the overall appearance of your green sanctuary. Balance is key in maintaining a garden that is both wildlife-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
Creating Hibernation Havens for Insects and Mammals
Winter is the season of slumber for many of our garden dwellers. Creating cosy corners for insects and mammals can make your garden a sought-after winter retreat. Consider a log pile in a quiet area of the garden, providing an ideal sanctuary for beetles, spiders and hedgehogs. A homemade bug hotel, crafted from assorted materials like straw and wood, offers a desirable dwelling for overwintering insects. Let a part of your garden run wild – it could become a snug nook for hedgehogs. By providing these hibernation havens, you’re supporting biodiversity and ensuring your garden remains a buzzing hub of wildlife activity all year round.
Even though the chill of winter lingers, spring planning is an exciting task for January. Give thought to the types of plants that can draw in helpful insects and provide ample food for our feathered friends. Now is an opportune time to plant bare-rooted trees and shrubs. Their growth over the coming months can help shape your garden into a bustling ecosystem when spring springs into action. Set the stage for a lively, biodiversity-rich garden by thoughtfully preparing and planting in anticipation of the warmer months.
The Advantage of Installing Nesting Boxes
Nesting boxes can be a real game changer for our feathered friends during the bitter winter months, serving as essential havens from the cold. Take the initiative to install these cosy homes now. This early installation allows birds ample time to discover these safe abodes and familiarise themselves with their surroundings. As the frost melts away and the vibrant hues of spring come into play, you might just be rewarded with the delightful sight of a fledgeling family taking flight from a nest box in your very own garden!
Getting Your Pond Ready for Spring
Winter is the ideal time to spruce up your pond for spring’s arrival. Start by tackling overgrown aquatic plants, gently thinning them out to avoid overcrowding. Keeping the pond netted helps keep it leaf-free, maintaining the water’s purity. Don’t forget to include a way for critters to easily access and exit the water, creating a safe passage. Lastly, consider an investment in a pond heater. This ingenious device ensures your pond remains unfrozen, crucial for any wintering wildlife. With a bit of TLC, come springtime, your pond will be teeming with life, a lively hotspot in your flourishing wildlife garden.
