A lot of gardeners have been doing their bit to help the birds survive the winter but now experts are asking people to go one step further and make a change to their outdoor space to help an even smaller garden visitor.
As temperatures continue to plunge this week following repeated Met Office warnings for snow and ice, experts from ecology firm Arbtech are asking anyone with a garden to make a key change to help insects survive the winter snap.
Many species rely on sheltered spots to stay warm and protected as they enter hibernation or a dormant state, with winter conditions like cold weather and frost particularly tough.
For a healthy ecosystem, it’s essential that insects survive the winter – more insects in spring means more pollination, which supports healthier gardens, crops, and wild plants.
And as well as their role in pollination, other important contributions to biodiversity includes decomposing organic matter, and serving as a crucial food source for other animals.
Yet despite playing such an important role in the ecosystem, 41% of insects face extinction, making it more important than ever for households to support their survival, Arbtech has warned.
It’s now urging people to take steps to make their garden more insect friendly this winter including leaving a log pile in the garden and creating a wild patch.
They said: “Arrange a pile of logs and fallen branches in a quiet, shady part of your garden. Decaying wood is a haven for insects like beetles, centipedes, woodlice, and other invertebrates.
“Allow a small area of your garden to grow wild. Whether it’s a patch of lawn left to grow long or a wildflower area, it creates natural insulation and shelter for overwintering butterflies, moths, and other insects.”
A spokesperson for Arbtech added: “Providing winter shelter in your garden can help prevent the loss of many vulnerable species that are already under pressure from habitat destruction, pesticides, and climate change.
“Actions like leaving fallen leaves and building a log pile may seem small, but they can make a huge difference and give insects the shelter they need to survive the winter.
“By taking these small steps, households can play an important role in supporting biodiversity and pollinators, and in turn, contribute to healthier gardens, crops, and wild plants come spring.”
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