Island Life Magazine Ltd December/January 2018 | Page 85

w Country life There are a number of clever survival strategies adopted by wildlife to survive the winter, but it can still be a bitter struggle. There are, however, a great many sure- fire ways that you can help wildlife in your garden. Feed the birds Keeping warm in low temperatures requires a lot of energy, so making high fat foods easily available for garden birds is a great way to help them. Fat blocks are available to buy at most garden centres and pet shops – place them in wire cages and watch the birds gather around. Fat balls in plastic nets are not recommended as some birds can get their tongues caught on them. If you’re feeling crafty you could even make your own birdfeeders! Simply melt suet into moulds (coconut shells or logs with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, working for a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Island. Phone: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.hiwwt.org.uk Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdridge, Hampshire, SO32 2DP holes drilled in make excellent containers) then, once they have cooled and solidified, leave them somewhere high up in your garden for the birds to find. Photo: Sparrow by Darin Smith Try different recipes to entice a variety of birds; add peanuts for starlings, insects for tits and berries for finches. Look before you light To a sleepy hedgehog, an unlit bonfire can seem like the perfect place to hunker down for the winter. Always be sure to check bonfires before you light them – there could be any number of animals sheltering and hibernating in there, including frogs and toads. Provide water for wildlife Water can be hard to come by when ponds and bird baths freeze over. Leaving a shallow dish of fresh water at ground level will provide a refreshing rest-stop for a host of garden wildlife. Visit www.hiwwt.org.uk for more information. Join us today and enjoy the benefits of being a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust: • Unlimited visits to 57 wildlife reserves in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and 2,500 reserves nationwide. • A welcome pack when you join. • Wildlife, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s magazine, delivered to you three times a year. • The chance to take part in local group and community activities, offering you a variety of opportunities to be involved in. More than 350 walks, talks and events throughout the two counties. • Join by Direct Debit & receive your FREE full colour Local Wildlife Reserve Guide. www.visitilife.com 85