Britons are being urged to help wildlife as species head into hibernation this autumn, after new figures reveal 32% of people take no action to support local wildlife.
Ecology experts at Arbtech say October is an important time for wildlife but there are ways families can help as we enter the colder months. This comes after a survey from the ecology team discovered 88% of people are concerned about the state of wildlife in the UK. The ecology experts say this highlights an opportunity for education around conservation, which starts right at home. Getting involved in conservation doesn’t require lots of change and isn’t expensive, but can have a big impact on the state of the UK’s wildlife, which is under increasing pressure from habitat loss, climate change and human activity. From leaving leaf piles undisturbed to avoiding bonfires and maintaining ponds, Arbtech are sharing easy ways for households to provide shelter and food for wildlife through the colder months.
A spokesperson for Arbtech commented: “Ahead of this hibernation season, we really want to help families understand how easy it can be to make a big difference to our local wildlife. Autumn is a make or break time for lots of species, as temperatures drop and food sources become scarce. The good news is that helping them doesn’t require big changes. With almost nine in ten Brits already worried about the decline of UK wildlife, this is a chance for people to turn concern into action and make a real difference right on their doorstep. If you can, simply let your garden be and avoid disturbing piles of leaves or branches, as you never know what wildlife could be hibernating inside. Providing a fresh source of water is also an essential way to help bird species, who don’t hibernate but can still suffer from a lack of resources during the colder months.”
Here are five tips to help hibernating species this autumn:
Leave garden debris alone
While you may be tempted to rid your garden of fallen leaves and debris in the autumn, hedgehogs, frogs, toads and other wildlife use piles of leaves as a place to hide and hibernate during the cold months.
DIY hibernation habitat
You can create your own hibernation habitat with logs, stones or old bricks in your garden. Pile everything up and let the wildlife find it. Covering it up with leaves and branches can make it extra warm and inviting to local creatures.
Properly maintain your pond
If you have a pond in your garden, you may have hibernating amphibians in there. Ensure the water is kept at a suitable depth. If your pond freezes over, avoid smashing the frozen water on top, as it can shock the wildlife inside. Make a hole in the frozen water with the bottom of a hot pan instead.
Avoid garden bonfires
In order to best protect local wildlife, we suggest avoiding bonfires altogether. But, if you are planning a bonfire this autumn, make sure to carefully check any piles of wood for hibernating creatures.
Supply a water source
You can also take steps to help non-hibernating wildlife this autumn and winter. During the colder months, birds will require access to a non-frozen water source. Having a bird bath in your garden which is regularly topped up could help to provide an essential resource for local wildlife.
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