Shropshire new homes provider shares top tips to make your garden a safe haven for nature this winter
Shropshire new homes provider Bromford is embracing the current cold snap by encouraging homeowners and families to ensure their gardens are safe havens for wildlife.
The colder months present greater challenges for our animal friends, with the housing association offering practical advice to support our local nature through this period.
With food less readily available and temperatures at dangerously low levels, Bromford is committed to ensuring every home and garden is a space where people and wildlife can thrive together.
Here are Bromford’s top tips for supporting wildlife in your garden this winter.
Always make water available
One simple method is to have a steady water supply accessible. This could be in a bowl, dish or large plate to ensure wildlife can stay hydrated. It’s important to check that this doesn’t freeze during the colder conditions, so putting out water that isn’t extremely cold is advisable.
Avoid harmful chemicals
While some chemicals can be used to feed and maintain your grass, it’s important to be mindful that many substances can be harmful to animals. Opting for natural alternatives is a good way to keep your garden in tip top shape while protecting wildlife.
Create an accessible shelter
Using natural materials such as branches, twigs and stones can help to make a warm space for wildlife to keep warm through the winter. This can also make for a fun family DIY project. Alternatively, there are pre-made shelters such as bird houses, nest boxes and hedgehog homes available to buy in most garden centres or superstores.
Put out nutritious foods
You can offer sustenance for wildlife by leaving out little snacks, ensuring they remain well-fed. Nuts, seeds, berries and apple slices are all good options, as well as specialist foods for specific species.
Plant with winter in mind
There are many types of plant that are conducive to supporting wildlife, especially throughout the colder season. Daisies and dandelions offer nectar for bees, while ivy and holly offer food and shelter.
Catherine Jarrett, Director of Sales and Marketing at Bromford, said: “The winter months are a struggle to navigate for all of us, but not least for our animals who are desperate to secure food, shelter or a place to hibernate.
“We’re passionate about our new homes meeting the needs of everybody, so for that to include the local wildlife is rewarding to us.
“We hope these top tips help our buyers to use new methods for not only attracting wildlife into their gardens but also to look after them too.”
