Gardeners are being warned to reconsider some common tasks this winter, as they could potentillay disrupt hibernating wildlife in the garden – here’s what you need to know
Gardeners are being issued an urgent warning to leave their compost heaps untouched this winter. Turning them could disrupt hibernating wildlife, including hedgehogs, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and even bumblebees.
While most of the UK’s wildlife is in hibernation this time of year, some species still seek shelter in gardens. Hedgehogs, for example, often choose compost piles as a safe, insulated space to curl up and rest until spring. Other small creatures, such as mice and voles, may also be hunkering down in these hidden refuges, unaware that gardeners may accidentally disturb them by turning the compost.
Turning a compost heap could disturb these creatures, causing them to flee and potentially interrupting their crucial hibernation period. In some cases, it could even harm them. Experts have asked gardeners to avoid any disturbance of their compost until at least April, when the majority of hibernating species will have awoken, and the risk to wildlife is minimal, Gardeners Weekly reports.
In addition to leaving your compost undisturbed, there are other important steps gardeners can take to protect wildlife during the winter months. A simple but important one is to ensure that bird feeders are regularly topped up with high-energy food like peanuts, suet, and sunflower hearts. With the cold weather and long nights, garden birds need all the fuel they can get to survive. Similarly, keeping bird baths filled with fresh water helps birds regulate their body temperature and maintain healthy feathers.
If you’re keen to help pollinators during the winter, consider making a bee hotel. Solitary bees often seek shelter in hollow-stemmed plants like teasel or bamboo canes, so creating a safe haven for them is a great way to support these vital insects. Choose a sunny spot in your garden for the best results – late morning sun is ideal for attracting bees.
For the long-term benefit of garden wildlife, this is also the perfect time to plan ahead for next year. You could plant some native bare-root trees or shrubs, like hawthorn, hazel, or silver birch. These will provide much-needed shelter, food, and nesting opportunities for birds, insects, and other creatures once spring arrives.
If you’ve been feeling guilty about not being in the garden as the temperatures have plummeted then remember that during winter sometimes doing less is more. By leaving your compost heap and taking a few simple steps to support winter wildlife, you’ll be making a big difference to the creatures that call your garden home.
