How to Support Wildlife This Autumn
Top tips from S&R regular Capability Charlotte on how how to support wildlife in your UK garden this autumn!
As the crisp air and golden leaves of autumn descend upon us, our gardens undergo a transformation. But did you know that autumn is a crucial time for wildlife as well?
Many creatures are preparing for winter, seeking food, shelter, and a safe haven to thrive during the colder months. By making a few simple adjustments to your garden, you can create a wildlife-friendly environment that supports a diverse range of species. Here are some top tips on how to support wildlife in your garden this autumn.
Leave the Leaves
While it might be tempting to rake up every fallen leaf, consider leaving some behind. Piles of leaves provide essential shelter for a variety of creatures, including hedgehogs, frogs, and insects. These leaf piles also create a natural mulch, which enriches the soil and helps plants thrive. If you prefer a tidier garden, try to leave the leaves in less visible corners, where they can still benefit wildlife.
Create a Log Pile
A log pile can be a sanctuary for many forms of wildlife. Rotting wood is particularly attractive to insects like beetles and woodlice, which in turn become food for birds and small mammals. Place your log pile in a quiet, shaded area of the garden, and let nature take its course. Over time, the logs will break down, providing a rich habitat for a variety of species.
Provide Food Sources
As natural food sources become scarcer, providing supplementary food can be a lifesaver for wildlife. Bird feeders filled with seeds, nuts, and fat balls are particularly valuable during autumn and winter. For small mammals like hedgehogs, you can leave out dishes of cat or dog food (never milk or bread). Planting late-flowering plants such as ivy, asters, and sedums can also provide nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Install a Wildlife Pond
Even a small pond can have a big impact on your garden’s biodiversity. Ponds provide drinking water, a breeding ground for amphibians, and a habitat for insects. Make sure to include some shallow areas where animals can safely drink and bathe, and add some aquatic plants like water lilies or pondweed to oxygenate the water and provide cover. If you already have a pond, keep it clear of debris, but leave some decaying plant matter for invertebrates to thrive on.
Build a Bug Hotel
Insects play a crucial role in the ecosystem, and autumn is the perfect time to build a bug hotel to give them a place to hibernate. You can create one using materials like hollow stems, paper straws, pinecones, and bricks with holes in them. Place your bug hotel in a sheltered spot, ideally facing south or southeast, where it will be protected from the worst of the weather.
Plant Native Species
Autumn is a great time to plant, the soil is still warm and the plants have the whole winter to concentrate on setting roots down rather than on growing flowers and leaves. October to March is bareroot season for trees and shrubs, bareroot plants are often cheaper to buy and better for the environment to grown and transport. Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers not only supports local wildlife but also ensures your garden will thrive with minimal intervention. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil, making them resilient and beneficial to the insects, birds, and mammals that rely on them. Consider planting hawthorn, rowan, or crab apple trees, which provide autumn berries for birds, or wildflowers like primroses and bluebells that will bloom in early spring.
Don’t use Pesticides
Pesticides can be harmful to both you and wildlife, particularly to beneficial insects like bees ladybirds, and butterflies. Instead of using chemical solutions, opt for organic methods of pest control, such as improving your soil to encourage strong, healthy plants. Encourage natural predators like birds or use companion planting to deter pests. For example, marigolds can help keep aphids away from your roses.
Create a Hedgehog-Friendly Environment
Hedgehogs are in decline in the UK, and your garden can be a vital refuge for them. Leave small gaps at the base of your fences to allow hedgehogs to move between gardens. Providing a hedgehog house or pile of leaves in a quiet, undisturbed corner can also offer them a safe place to hibernate. Remember to check bonfires and piles of leaves before lighting or moving them, as these can often be hiding spots for hedgehogs.
Compost Your Garden Waste
Composting not only reduces waste but also provides a rich habitat for insects and worms, which are a food source for birds and other wildlife. A compost heap can become a warm refuge for small creatures during the colder months, and the resulting compost will enrich your soil naturally. Wiltshire Council Offers subsidises part of the cost of a Green Johanna hot composter for our residents you can order: here. Or call Great Green Systems on 0113 323 5780 and provide your postcode to benefit from the Wiltshire Council subsidised cost.
Keep Feeding Stations Clean
If you’re providing food for birds or other wildlife, it’s important to keep feeding stations clean to prevent the spread of diseases. Regularly clean bird feeders, water dishes, and other feeding areas with hot water and a mild disinfectant. Ensure that any leftover food is removed before it spoils, and replace water frequently to keep it fresh.
Supporting wildlife in your garden this autumn doesn’t require a lot of effort, but the rewards are plentiful. By making a few thoughtful changes, you can create a haven for a variety of species, from birds and insects to mammals and amphibians. Your garden will become a thriving ecosystem that supports biodiversity and brings you closer to the natural world, even as the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop.