Somewhere to forage and feed

Creating a range of habitat niches provides different areas and opportunities for wildlife to feed at different times of year.

• Early and late flowering plants provide nectar for insects at critical times – just after emergence or prior to hibernation.
• Tidy borders and cut shrubs in late winter and early spring to help retain seeds and fruit for birds and small mammals throughout winter.
• Ivy is a late source of autumn nectar for insects and late winter fruit for birds.
• Fruiting bushes are a good source of food for birds and mammals during the autumn and part of the winter.
• Annual plants that produce many seeds in late summer are a good source of seed for birds through autumn into winter.
• Many baby birds need insects – a good source of protein – if they are to grow strong and healthy and survive the winter. A variety of garden