As the temperatures drop and we head into the festive season, our gardens start to feel a little quieter, but for the wildlife that visits them, this time of year can be surprisingly tough. Birds, hedgehogs, insects and small mammals all have to work harder to find food, water and somewhere safe to shelter. But with a few simple seasonal tweaks, your garden can become a cosy winter haven for them - even on Christmas Day!

 

Here are some easy, practical ways to give local wildlife a helping hand this December: 

 

1. Put Out Fresh Food for Birds 

Natural food sources are scarce in winter, so birds rely on gardens more than ever. 

 

What they’ll really appreciate: 

● Fat balls and suet blocks (great for energy) 

● Sunflower hearts 

● Unsalted peanuts 

● Mealworms 

● Mixed seeds for robins, tits and finches 

 

Hang feeders near shrubs or trees so birds can quickly dart into cover if they feel threatened. 

 

2. Keep a Water Source Ice-Free 

With water freezing overnight, even a simple drink becomes difficult for wildlife. Why not try: 

● Leaving out a shallow bowl and refilling it each morning 

● Adding a ping-pong ball to a bird bath to keep the surface moving 

● Avoiding salt or chemicals — they’re harmful to animals 

 

A few minutes each day makes a huge difference. 

 

 3. Create Cosy Winter Hideaways 

Lots of creatures need insulated places to shelter, rest or hibernate. 

You could add: 

● A hedgehog house tucked into a quiet corner 

● A log pile for insects, frogs and small mammals 

● A pile of leaves or sticks left undisturbed 

● An overgrown spot you agree not to tidy until spring 

 

Nature loves a bit of organised chaos, don’t be afraid to leave things slightly wild.

 

4. Leave Out Hedgehog-Friendly Feeds 

If hedgehogs are still roaming in December, they may need a little extra help finding food. 

Good options: 

● Wet cat food (non-fish flavours) 

● Dry cat biscuits 

● Specialist hedgehog food 

 

Avoid: 

● Bread 

● Milk 

● Mealworms (not ideal in winter) 

 

Place food in a simple feeding station so local cats don’t pinch it first. 

 

5. Watch Out for Festive Hazards 

Some Christmas decorations can accidentally cause problems for wildlife. 

Best kept indoors: 

● Tinsel 

● Ribbons 

● Net lights on low shrubs 

 

Birds can get tangled, so instead choose sturdy outdoor lights and keep them higher up. 

 

6. Plant Winter-Friendly Flowers and Shrubs 

While most plants are sleeping, a few winter performers can offer berries, nectar or shelter. 

Lovely December options include: 

● Winter jasmine 

● Holly 

● Ivy 

● Mahonia 

● Hellebores 

● Viburnum 

 

These don’t just brighten the garden they support wildlife through the coldest months. 

 

7. Don’t Overdo the Tidying 

Before Christmas, it’s tempting to tidy everything within an inch of its life — but a slightly “imperfect” garden is a winter paradise for wildlife. 

Try to: 

● Leave seed heads for birds 

● Keep leaf piles for shelter 

● Delay pruning until the worst of winter is over 

 

It’s the perfect excuse to step back and let nature do its thing. 

 

Birds will think all their Christmases have come at once. 

 

Helping garden wildlife this Christmas doesn’t need to be complicated. Small, thoughtful actions, a bowl of water, a cosy wood pile, a few festive feeders can make a huge difference. With just a little care, your garden can become a welcoming winter refuge, full of life even on the frosty quiet mornings of December.