Gardeners with ponds and bird feeders are urged to keep their eyes peeled for icy weather – as a frozen pond could damage the eco-system.
Birds have to work extra hard to keep warm in winter, with gardeners urged to put out the correct food in their garden feeders. But the National Trust is also reminding people to not allow their ponds to freeze over as temperatures dip, and it’s not just because of the pondlife living at its base.
The National Trust said: “In freezing weather, put out fresh food and clean water for birds, or gently melt the ice on your ponds to allow garden birds to have a drink.” This can be done by pouring warm water onto the ice to allow it to slowly thaw.
Pond experts say in most circumstances the top of the pond will freeze, but the bottom will not. Fish, it’s claimed, use less oxygen and are generally more lethargic in winter which means a frozen cap on the pond is not damaging if it is sorted within days. But anything longer than this could have a negative impact on the pondlife living beneath.
Access to water is especially important in winter as birds need it to ruffle up their feathers which they do to keep warm. Fat balls and mixes that are high in calories are also good for birds in winter, as it gives them an extra surge of energy they need to survive. People who do have ponds in their gardens are also urged to make sure it has sloping sides to allow all wildlife to get in and out easily.
“Birds are an important part your garden’s ecosystem.,” the NT said. “Help them thrive by planting trees like rowan and wild cherry, creating bird boxes and putting out bird food (not bread) in winter. Situate boxes and feeders well out of reach of cats and keep feeders clean.” Gardeners World experts have also previously recommended bird feeders are placed out of reach of rodents – and are not over-filled each day.
In the run-up to Christmas, the Met Office is predicting the mercury will begin to tumble in some regions. It’s predicted to turn colder in the north and west, with “blustery showers turning wintry over high ground.”
“Frequent showers, which may be wintry at times, are likely in central and northern Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and western parts of England,” it said. While December so far has been mild for many, the coldest nights of the year typically fall in January and February – the two months when gardens are likely to freeze over. This is despite the daylight hours being longer than those in December.
