Joined: Jun 2008 Gender: Female Posts: 11,902 Location: south staffs
Wildlife « Thread Started on Nov 8, 2009, 5:40am »
Now the leaves are brown, and by the end of the month will mostly have fallen from the trees, leaving the bare outlines of branches. Autumn will reach its peak then turn to winter this month. Winter preparations made, some species will be retreating into hibernation if they haven't done so already. Those that will stick it out are still trying to add to their winter stashes, hoping that they have done enough to keep themselves alive. Frosts are no longer a surprise, and the weather can be ruthless at this time of year; it's cold and food is scarce, but it will become colder and food will become scarcer. From now until spring survival is the name of the game, and a wildlife-friendly garden can be the key factor in keeping many animals alive for this time.
Joined: Jun 2008 Gender: Female Posts: 11,902 Location: south staffs
Re: Wildlife « Reply #1 on Nov 8, 2009, 5:42am »
Mammals, reptiles and amphibians Foxes continue their nightly foraging, and are often pests in both urban and country areas as wild food sources become scarcer.
Mammals are going into hibernation this month. You may see squirrels building up their nut stores, or discover a hedgehog making its winter home under a pile of old leaves or debris.
If you are making a Guy Fawkes’ night bonfire, then do check that your pile of material for burning has not been colonised by hibernating toads or hedgehogs. Traditional festivals excepted, it is best to compost waste rather than burn it. Woody matter can be shredded before composting, and diseased matter can simply be placed in the rubbish.
You could try constructing a hedgehog hibernation box to encourage this. Some wildlife enthusiasts have reported success with a constructed wooden box buried under a pile of old leaves. A small entrance hole (10-12sq cm/4-5sq in), and a covered tunnel leading to the entrance, will help to prevent foxes and other predators from raiding the nest. A tunnel can easily be constructed using old bricks with a wooden plank as a cover. You can then watch the hedgehogs come and go from a known location.
Hedgehog and badger food is available for sale. It is not a good idea to feed hedgehogs with bread and milk, as this is not their natural diet. Dog food can be another alternative.
Corrugated iron or plastic laid on the soil can provide warm tunnels for small reptiles, amphibians and mammals to hibernate in. Once it becomes covered with moss , algae, weeds and earth, even metal retains heat through the winter, providing a warm and secure hiding place.
Bat nesting boxes are increasingly available, but it is best to research different models, as some are much more effective than others. Woodcrete is again a good choice of material, and the best comparative designs are still being tested. Positioning of the boxes is key - groups of boxes work best, and they may only be effective in areas where there are few other suitable roosting places. The Bat Conservation Trust.
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