As the year draws to a close, the period between Christmas and New Year is a time for reflection. As we muse on what the past year has brought us, we also anticipate what the New Year will bring.
Whilst January offers many of us a sense of renewal, it also brings some of the harshest conditions to UK wildlife. As one of the coldest months of the year, animals must endure food shortages and temperature drops, forcing them to expend more energy to survive the winter.
Survival Methods
Whilst you would be forgiven for thinking most animals are safely tucked away in nests and burrows as they hibernate through the winter chill, in fact – only 3 species of UK mammals truly hibernate: bats, dormice and hedgehogs.
Whilst hibernation offers protection from these frigid conditions, animals often stir throughout the hibernation period in search of food, a new location, or to excrete waste. Because hibernation involves a drastic drop in body temperature and metabolic rate, waking up requires animals to raise their body temperature by burning stored fat. As this is an energy-intensive process, if they are unable to find a suitable food source to replenish these fat stores, waking up before spring can prove fatal to wildlife.
Whilst some species, like the turtle dove, flee to warmer climates – other animals like badgers and squirrels do not hibernate, but instead enter a state called ‘torpor’. Unlike hibernation, torpor is an involuntary state triggered by cold spells or food scarcity, involving short, intermittent periods of inactivity. This helps animals conserve energy without requiring the same large store of body fat that hibernation requires.
Threats to UK Wildlife
Whilst hibernation and torpor are great aids to wildlife, prolonged periods of food shortage, inadequate shelter and human activity can greatly impact their chances of survival. With climate change posing an increasing threat to wildlife, species numbers are reducing at an alarming rate.
The good news is that there is plenty we can do to help animals survive the winter. As you plan your New Year's Resolutions, consider taking these steps to support wildlife through the new year.
5 Impactful Ways You Can Help UK Wildlife
1: Provide Bat Boxes: As one of the few hibernating species in the UK, bats require adequate shelter for a successful hibernation. In nature, bats find shelter in old buildings, roofs and caves, with a preference to roost in trees. With their warmth and sturdiness, bat boxes offer the stability of trees, mitigating the effects of habitat loss. To attract bat residents to your area, install your boxes in a partially shaded area, close to hedgerows and tree lines. Ensure to position them at least 4 metres above the ground and away from artificial light sources to protect them from predators. To prevent overheating, make sure your box also has suitable ventilation. To learn more about providing a suitable bat shelter, click here.
2: Feed the Birds: Providing regular food to birds helps them maintain sufficient fat reserves to survive the winter months. To attract a variety of species to your garden, try catering to both tree and ground feeding species. For tree feeders like sparrows and finches, suet balls and sunflower hearts are both popular high-calorie options. If providing nuts, ensure to use a sturdy steel mesh nut feeder. For ground feeding birds like robins and blackbirds, suet nibbles, millet and mealworms are all suitable choices. Ensure to position your feeders in quiet, safe and sheltered areas. For ground feeding birds, consider using a caged ground feeding tray to keep the area clean and minimise waste. The cage will also protect birds from predators, including curious cats! To prevent the spread of disease, make sure to clean your feeders once per week with an antiseptic cleanser.
3: Thaw Frozen Water: As well as food, water is extremely important to many species’ survival. In the winter, many natural water sources freeze over, limiting the availability of this vital resource. To help remedy this issue, thaw frozen bird baths to provide drinking and bathing water to wildlife. To defrost frozen surfaces, carefully pour warm (but not boiling) water over them. For ponds, float a ball in the water to create an air hole for amphibians that may reside beneath the surface.
4: Leave Your Garden Wild: Once plants have died and lost their delicate charm, it is tempting to trim them back for a neater look. However, consider leaving them be this winter. Not only do the remaining seedheads provide natural sustenance to many species of wildlife but they also protect soil from frost damage. If leaving your plants unkempt throughout the winter feels like too big a step, consider placing a pile of seedheads in the garden to allow wildlife to feed.
5: Get Involved in Local Conservation Initiatives: At Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital, our dedicated staff and volunteers help countless animals survive the winter months. However, this vital work would not be possible without the generosity and support of our community. To help ensure the longevity of British Wildlife, consider donating today. If you don’t have funds to spare, there are many other ways to get involved. From volunteering with our animal patients to donating items from our wish list, you can play a vital role in the rehabilitation of our precious wildlife.
This New Year, make a resolution to protect UK wildlife. With your help, we can ensure vulnerable species survive the challenges of winter, and together – we can reap the rewards as life awakens this spring.
By Jewel Konieczny
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