Winter may be in full swing, but that doesn’t mean your garden has to go into hibernation. In fact, this is the perfect time to turn it into a winter paradise for all sorts of wildlife! From cheerful birds fluttering about to adorable hedgehogs searching for a snack—what could be more fun than transforming your garden into a cosy wildlife hotel with your children? It’s educational, exciting, and great for nature. So, put on your winter coat, step outside, and discover how to make your garden a winter haven for animals.
Why Attract Wildlife to Your Winter Garden?
There are plenty of reasons why welcoming wildlife into your garden during winter is a great idea. It’s an excellent way to teach children about the natural world around them. They can learn about different species visiting their garden, and who knows? You might even spot a brand-new guest! But that’s not all:
- Boosts biodiversity – By making your garden wildlife-friendly, you’re helping nature thrive. Birds, insects, and other creatures often struggle in winter, and by providing food and shelter, you’re giving them much-needed support.
- Educational for kids – Children love seeing their garden come to life with animals, especially during winter. They can watch birds, check out a nesting box, or even use a magnifying glass to look for tiny animal tracks.
- Excitement and adventure – Spotting a new animal in the garden is always a little adventure. And when kids help attract wildlife, they’ll have even more fun creating a garden full of life.
There are plenty of simple ways to welcome animals into your garden. Here are some fun and easy activities you can do together!
1. Treat the Birds to a Winter Feast
Birds can use a helping hand in the winter months. By putting up a bird feeder and keeping it well-stocked, you’ll make sure they don’t go hungry in the cold. But why not make it even more fun by creating your own bird food?
What you need:
- A jar of peanut butter (unsalted)
- Birdseed
- A wooden swing or branches (available at many garden centres or online)
- String or wire
How to make it:
- Spread peanut butter onto the swing or branches.
- Roll the branches in birdseed so it sticks well.
- Hang them up in the garden, preferably near shrubs or trees where birds feel safe.
- With this homemade bird feeder, you’ll attract a variety of birds—from robins to blackbirds and even woodpeckers. It’s a delight for kids to watch and see who comes to visit!
2. Build a Shelter for Small Animals
Many animals look for a safe, warm place to hide in winter. Why not build a cosy shelter for squirrels or other small mammals? This could be a nesting box, or you could use branches, leaves, and straw to create a mini hideout.
What you need:
- Branches or pinecones
- Straw or leaves
- String (for hanging, if needed)
How to make it:
- Create a small, open shelter using branches and fill it with straw and leaves.
- Hang it in a tree or place it in a quiet spot in the garden.
- Small animals can use this cosy hideaway to escape the cold, and your children will love checking in to see if any furry visitors have moved in!
3. Build an Insect Hotel for Tiny Creatures
Insects like bees, ladybirds, and butterflies play an important role in nature—even in winter. By placing an insect hotel in your garden, you provide them with a safe place to hibernate. It’s a fantastic project to do with kids and helps boost biodiversity!
What you need:
- A wooden box or a few empty toilet rolls
- Wood, bark, pinecones, reeds, or hollow sticks
- String for hanging
How to make it:
- Collect natural materials like wood, bark, twigs, or pinecones.
- Fill the box or pack the materials into the toilet rolls.
- Hang the insect hotel in a sunny, sheltered spot in your garden.
A Winter Garden to Enjoy
With these simple ideas, you can transform your garden into a lively and wildlife-friendly space, even in winter. The best part? Your children will love observing the animals that visit, and they’ll learn the importance of caring for nature.
So, put on your warm boots, head outside, and turn your winter garden into a place where both animals and kids can have fun together! And for everything you need—from bird food to shelter materials—visit our garden centre in Gloucestershire.
Make this winter a cosy one for all!