IT is approaching that time of year when wildlife needs more help than usual to make sure all creatures great and small make it through the colder weather.
Dr Phil Gates, who was senior lecturer in botany at Durham University for 35 years and is a former chairman of Durham Wildlife Trust, suggests the following six ways to help wildlife this autumn and winter.
1. There's no rush
It is the time of year when many gardeners set about tidying up their gardens but, instead of cutting down seed heads, leave them for the birds which need as much nourishment as they can get at this time of year.
And remember that the seed capsules of plants such as colombines make excellent winter homes for ladybirds and caterpillars that turn into moths so don’t be in too much of a rush to cut everything down.
2. Feed the birds
As well as being good for the birds, investing in a bird-feeder can provide excellent entertainment during the dark winter months.
There is plenty of evidence that being close to wildlife is good for people’s health so do what you can to attract the birds.
Black sunflower seeds will bring in the likes of greenfinches, chaffinches and bramblings – they love them!
But make sure you keep your bird-feeder clean, using soapy water, whenever you fill it. This helps prevent the spread of disease.
And when it’s freezing, don’t forget to make sure to put out some fresh water.
3. Don't forget bathtime
Birds need to have a bath to keep their feathers healthy and to control parasites. And, believe it or not, it’s also good for humans because watching birds having a bath can be a great source of fun. Any shallow dish will do but look for something attractive so it becomes a feature of your garden.
4. Think about the bees
We all know how important bees are to nature so start thinking now about the plants that will extend the season for bees. Plant the likes of hellebores, pictured above, and pulmonaria now because they are early-flowering and rich in nectar.
That is heavenly for the queen bees that first appear around March to begin creating nests.
Also make sure to plant late-flowering plants, such as Michaelmas daisies, which help ensure the queens are well fed going into winter hibernation.
5. Help the hedgehog
Guy Fawkes’ night may be lots of fun – but it can be deadly for poor old hedgehogs if we’re not careful.
When you are building a bonfire, check that it hasn’t become a home for a hedgehog preparing for hibernation.
Hedgehogs are wanderers – they can walk a mile in a night – so make sure there’s a hole in your fence so they can go from garden to garden.
When you are raking the autumn leaves, it’s a good idea to pile them up in a corner of the garden on top of a wooden box big enough for a hedgehog to curl up inside.
6. Befriend a robin
It’s great fun trying to tame a robin so that they eat out of your hand. Robins will often follow you round the garden when you’re digging, and they like nothing better than mealworms.
Chuck a mealworm close to a robin and it will come for its favourite meal. Keep the mealworms coming, closer and closer, until the robin is eating out of your hand. It’s a magical feeling.
These suggestions aren’t just good news for the wildlife in your garden – they are also good news for people too.
Spend a little time to create the feel-good factor though wildlife - and it will pay dividends.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here