IN THE GARDEN
No matter what size, shape or style of garden you have, you are already supporting wildlife
It’s easy to spot wildlife in our gardens over the summer, but even in winter they are attractive to animals. Many of us feed birds to encourage them into our gardens, or have ivy ( Hedera helix ) whose globular flowerheads provide a valuable food source for winter-foraging bees. There are other winter-flowering plants that support insects during the colder months, too, including Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape), Sarcococca confusa (winter box), winter aconites ( Eranthis hyemalis ) and snowdrops ( Galanthus nivalis ). Leaving the seed heads of herbaceous perennials such as Turkish sage ( Phlomis russeliana ), teasel ( Dipsacus fullonum ) or ornamental grass through winter provides a habitat for overwintering insects such as wood lice, bees, ladybirds and lace wings, and the seed is a source of food for birds such as goldfinches. As an added benefit, you can enjoy the dramatic effect of hoar frost on these architectural seed heads. Berry-bearing plants also offer a valuable food source for wildlife. Rowan, hawthorn, viburnum and cotoneaster berries are highly sought-after by waxwings, while blackbirds, bullfinches and redwings are partial to ivy berries and holly berries are a favourite with greenfinches. A small pond can provide refuge for frogs and serve as an important source of water for wildlife, as can a low, shallow bird bath, which can be as basic as a dish. Supporting wildlife isn’t only about providing food; gardens also provide habitat and shelter. Evergreen shrubs and climbers offer winter protection to a range UNSUNG HEROES Holly (top), mahonia (bottom right) and aconites (bottom left) offer invaluable support for wildlife during winter
Golden rules for wildlife gardening
1 Create log piles to provide shelter for a range of wildlife. 2 Check bonfires for hedgehogs etc before lighting them. 3 Look out for signs of animals when turning compost heaps or moving leaf piles. 4 Melt a hole in frozen water daily to allow wildlife access to air and water.
of insects and birds. A bit of untidiness is also a good thing for wildlife. Waste wood can be used to create a log pile or a dead hedge in which invertebrates, amphibians, hedgehogs and small birds can take cover. Fallen leaves needn’t be cleared away either, but instead swept into piles among established plantings to decay slowly and create winter shelter for a host of wildlife. Every little helps As you can see, methods to attract a greater diversity of wildlife into your garden can be relatively easy. Whether you simply leave the seed heads of herbaceous plants
5 Regularly clean bird feeders to prevent the spread of disease.
94 NOVEMBER 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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