In the first of a new series
of articles giving seasonal
tips on wildlife gardening,
Sally Pyner takes
us through some
of the essential
tasks for the
colder months
and looks
forward to
nature's
reawakening.

Winter/spring
Late January
Don't be tempted to do too much tidying!

What's messy to you is home to something else - many useful insects overwinter in herbaceous perennials and seeded annuals.
February
Nest Box Week - 14th February
(Valentine's Day) onwards

If you haven't already put up a nest box in your garden, now's a good time. We can make almost any bird box to order, or tell you how to make one.

Feeding wild birds Ensure survival of many species through the winter by offering a consistent supply of fresh food and water. Practise good bird table hygiene:
  • don’t overfeed - only put out as much as can be cleared in a day, to avoid rodent activity
  • do ensure your food supplies are both fresh and safe (aflatoxin-free peanuts) - buy them from us!
  • do regularly clean your feeders
  • do ensure there is a fresh, clean supply of water available at all times for drinking and bathing.
Tree planting
Most successful tree planting is done when trees are dormant, so midwinter is ideal. Thankfully mild winters in Cornwall mean we’re rarely prevented from doing so by frost. Here’s how to do it:
  • choose a native tree!
  • thoroughly soak the tree roots dig a hole large enough to accommodate the tree roots generously
  • add some well-rotted manure or organic feed (not peat!)
  • plant the tree with a stake to avoid root damage and firm in well
  • water well
  • mulch with matting, old carpet or chippings and guard from rabbits if necessary
  • don't neglect it - give plenty of TLC for the first year of your tree's life.