Welcoming Wildlife Into Your Garden This Autumn

As autumn sets in and the vibrant colours of summer fade into shades of gold, orange, and brown, our gardens start to undergo a transformation. This seasonal change doesn’t just affect plants – it also impacts the wildlife that relies on our gardens for food and shelter. By making a few thoughtful adjustments, you can turn your garden into a welcoming haven for a variety of creatures, from birds and hedgehogs to pollinators and small mammals. In this blog, we’ll explore some simple yet effective ways to support wildlife in your garden this autumn.

Section 1: Providing Food for Garden Wildlife

As the days get shorter and natural food sources start to dwindle, it’s essential to supplement what’s available for wildlife in your garden.

1. Feeding the Birds

• Why It Matters: As autumn progresses, insects and berries become less available, making it harder for birds to find sufficient food. Providing feeders and fresh water can help keep garden birds healthy and well-fed.
• What to Do: Set up bird feeders filled with high-energy foods such as sunflower seeds, suet, or fat balls. These provide birds with the calories they need to stay warm. Clean feeders regularly to prevent the spread of disease and position them in safe spots away from potential predators like cats.

2. Supporting Hedgehogs

• Why It Matters: Hedgehogs begin to prepare for hibernation in autumn, which means they need to build up fat reserves to survive the winter.
• What to Do: Leave out shallow dishes of water and food such as specialised hedgehog food or cat food (without fish). Avoid offering milk, as it can upset their stomachs. You can also leave leaf piles or create hedgehog houses where they can safely hibernate.

3. Helping Pollinators

• Why It Matters: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators continue to be active well into autumn, and they need access to food sources as they prepare for winter.
• What to Do: Plant autumn-blooming flowers such as sedum, ivy, or asters, which provide late-season nectar. Consider placing a bee hotel in a sunny, sheltered spot in your garden to provide a safe overwintering space.

Section 2: Creating Shelters for Wildlife

With colder weather on the horizon, many animals will be looking for warm, dry places to rest, hibernate, or shelter from the rain.

1. Hedgehog Homes

• Why It Matters: As temperatures drop, hedgehogs need a secure place to hibernate through the winter months.
• What to Do: A simple hedgehog home can be created by placing a small box or hedgehog house in a quiet corner of your garden, filled with dry leaves or straw. Ensure it is sheltered from the rain and wind, and leave an opening for the hedgehog to come and go as needed.

2. Insect Hotels

• Why It Matters: Insects such as solitary bees, ladybirds, and lacewings need safe places to hibernate through the colder months.
• What to Do: Insect hotels provide essential overwintering habitats for a variety of insects. Place these structures in sunny areas to attract beneficial insects, which help to control garden pests and pollinate plants.

3. Leaf and Log Piles

• Why It Matters: Piles of leaves and logs are simple yet effective ways to provide shelter for creatures like frogs, toads, hedgehogs, and insects.
• What to Do: Instead of clearing away every fallen leaf, leave some in a quiet corner of your garden to create natural shelters. Logs or branches can also be stacked to create a perfect refuge for small mammals and insects.

Section 3: Safe Practices for a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

While it’s great to encourage wildlife in your garden, it's also important to keep them safe from common hazards.

1. Avoid Harmful Chemicals

• Why It Matters: Pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals can be dangerous to wildlife, harming not only pests but also beneficial creatures like bees and hedgehogs.
• What to Do: Opt for organic pest control methods or non-toxic alternatives. Companion planting can help deter pests naturally while supporting pollinators.

2. Securing Water Sources

• Why It Matters: Ponds and water features can be a lifeline for wildlife during autumn, but they can also pose a danger if animals fall in and can’t get out.
• What to Do: If you have a pond, make sure it has gently sloping edges so that animals like hedgehogs or frogs can easily climb out if they fall in. Installing ramps or mesh can also help prevent accidents.

Summing Up

Autumn is a season of transition, and by making your garden more wildlife-friendly, you can provide essential support to the creatures that rely on it during the colder months. Whether you're feeding the birds, creating cosy shelters for hedgehogs, or planting autumn flowers for pollinators, every small effort helps to maintain biodiversity and keep your garden vibrant with life.

For more tips on creating a wildlife-friendly garden and to explore our range of wildlife-supporting products, visit Superpet. Share your autumn wildlife garden ideas and photos with us on social media using #SuperpetWildlifeGarden.