RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor shares five ways to give nature a helping hand during winter.
Five ways to help nature in winter
A healthy meal for garden birds
Birds require high-energy foods during the cold winter weather to maintain their fat reserves and survive the chilly nights. Fat balls and other fat-based food bars are excellent winter food (if you purchase it in netting, always remember to remove the netting before you put it out for the birds).
Access to water for wildlife
Access to water to drink and bathe in is important for birds, and in winter natural water sources may freeze and become inaccessible. Keep an eye on your bird bath and if it gets icy you can use warm water to remove the ice, or if the ice is thin you can gently break it into pieces.
Provide shelter for nature
As well leaving the garden wild to help hedgehogs and other wildlife, you could repurpose a nest box for small birds to use as shelter. Aim to position your nest box so that it’s shielded from direct sunlight (if you’re lucky enough to get any…) as well as from wet winds.
You can also start preparing for summer early and make your very own swift box. Find out more here: https://youtu.be/MKEvKVhe0Ko
Make a nature new year’s resolution
It’s nearly time to set your new year’s resolutions! Whether it’s volunteering, walking and biking more as alternative to driving, reducing food waste or upping your recycling game, there are lots of habits we can change to make a difference for our nature.
Take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch
From January 29 – 31 we’re asking you to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch! The Big Garden Birdwatch helps the RSPB to monitor UK garden wildlife. Every submitted tally helps to monitor the fortunes of our favourite garden birds. You can register now at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch