The upcoming winter months can be hard on your local wildlife but there are lots of ways you can help them out. If you’ve got a fake lawn, you can still give them a hand by leaving out some tasty treats. They’re really easy to make and are a good little project to do with the kids.
Fat balls
These are a really great source of energy for birds during winter and they’re super easy to make. You just mix together suet with a mix of oats, seeds or nuts, roll them around a loop of string leave them to set and hang them in trees. Try to avoid seed mixes with lentils and beans in them as these are often too big for most birds to eat.
Peanuts
A variety of birds are fond of peanuts but they are a particular favourite of woodpeckers. There are a couple of different varieties in the UK with their own distinctive colouring, see how many you can spot. Be careful not to buy salted or sweetened peanuts (birds won’t like these) and buy plain ones from a reputable place where there are unlikely to be any extra invisible coatings.
Nuts
These are a squirrel’s favourite food – and they love hazelnuts! You might find some birds and squirrels competing for the same foods so replenish it as often as you can.
Mealworms
Live mealworms are the perfect food for robins but they can be a bit unpleasant for the average bird feeder. They’re a bit more difficult to find, so you’d have to go to a pet or tackle shop to buy. Dead mealworms are not good for birds and can lead to them getting sick – so it’s definitely one you would have to keep an eye on if you’re up to the challenge.
Dog food
This everyday item is a firm favourite of hedgehogs, and will encourage them to return again and again. These little carnivores would love this on a little dish, but there is a chance bigger animals could also smell it and come a calling.
Water
Water is the safest liquid to provide if you want to give animals a drink. If you’ve got a birdbath – try not to let the water go stagnant.
Hygiene
As conditions get colder and food scarcer, birds rely even more on the seeds you leave out. With lots of animals, there can be a lot of droppings or leftover foods. It’s important to clean these up because birds can get sick too! We recommend removing any solid messes and washing down fake grass with a bit of warm soapy water to make sure your lawn stays clean.
If you’re looking for more advice on what to feed wild animals, or are unsure whether your feed is suitable, make sure to check out the RSPCA and RSPB websites for more information.
