Winter Wildlife Survival in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

As winter sets in, the wildlife in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent faces the challenge of surviving the cold months ahead. Understanding how these animals adapt and how we can help them is crucial for their survival. This December, let’s delve into the fascinating strategies of winter wildlife survival and explore ways we can support our local plants.

Many animals enter a state of hibernation to conserve energy during winter. Hedgehogs and bats are prime examples. Hedgehogs build nests from leaves and grass, while bats find sheltered spots in caves or buildings. During hibernation, their body temperature drops, and their metabolic rate slows down, allowing them to survive on stored fat.

Birds in Winter

Birds such as the robin, blackbird, and blue tit remain active throughout winter. They rely on berries, seeds, and insects for food. Providing bird feeders with high-energy foods like sunflower seeds, suet, and mealworms can help them survive the harsh conditions. Additionally, keeping bird baths ice-free ensures they have access to water.

Mammals’ Winter Strategies

Red foxes and badgers do not hibernate but reduce their activity to conserve energy. Foxes grow thicker fur and hunt less frequently, while badgers stay in their setts for longer periods. Leaving natural debris like logs and leaves in your garden can provide shelter and foraging opportunities for these animals.

Amphibians and Reptiles

Amphibians such as the common frog and smooth newt seek out frost-free places to hibernate, like the bottom of ponds or under logs. Reptiles like the common lizard find crevices in rocks or burrow into the soil. Creating winter shelters in your garden can support these species.

Insects’ Winter Adaptations

Insects have various strategies to survive winter. Bees cluster together in their hives to keep warm, while butterflies like the peacock and small tortoiseshell find sheltered spots to enter a state of dormancy. Leaving areas of your garden undisturbed, with leaf litter and dead wood, can provide essential habitats for overwintering insects.

How You Can Help

• Provide Food and Water: Set up bird feeders and keep bird baths ice-free. Offer high-energy foods to help birds maintain their energy levels.
• Create Shelters: Leave natural debris like logs, leaves, and stones in your garden to provide shelter for mammals, amphibians, and insects.
• Avoid Disturbing Hibernating Animals: Be mindful of hibernation sites and avoid disturbing them during winter.

By taking these steps, we can help ensure the survival of our local wildlife during the challenging winter months. Let’s appreciate the resilience of these creatures and do our part to support them.