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The Robin
Be a Friend to Wildlife this Winter
23rd November 2010
Gardens can be havens for wildlife by providing food, water and shelter. No matter what size of garden you have there are ways to make it more inviting to wildlife such as putting up nest boxes and bee homes and ensuring there is a supply of fresh water.
Many websites devoted to wildlife give valuable advice on what sort of plants to have in your garden which will help wildlife to thrive. Judicious planting can attract many creatures as they need different foods. For example, bees, birds, moths and butterflies are all attracted to buddleias - more commonly known as a butterfly bush for good reason. Honeysuckle provides nectar and berries, and birds will sometimes nest or roost in them if branches are dense and strong enough. Insects living in long grass and piles of wood and vegetation are an additional source of food for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs.
Seeds, berries, insects and worms are all sources of food for birds. Berries are a particularly important crop which many birds feed themselves up on for winter. Once their local source of berries runs out birds have to fly further away to find food which requires more effort and energy. As it gets colder and the winter darkness descends many creatures have less time to find food and water during the daylight hours.
As winter sets in and it becomes colder and the insects decrease, wildlife such as birds need additional support from humans. Providing high energy foods such as unsalted crushed peanuts and sunflower seeds will help them to survive. These are natural sources of food and are far better than offering processed foods. Freshly cut pieces of fruit such as apple placed on a bird table can attract many species such as blackbirds and robins. You can sit back and enjoy the spectacle of birds visiting your bird table and taking in food and water which you have put out for them.
Local wildlife needs support throughout the year and not just during the winter months. Careful planting, providing natural foods and fresh water can turn your garden into a year-round haven for all creatures large and small.