As the cooler months approach, many garden creatures, such as insects, hedgehogs, and frogs, begin to seek out safe places to hibernate. Providing homes for these animals in your garden not only helps them survive the winter but also supports a balanced ecosystem when spring returns.

Homes for Insects
Insects like ladybugs, solitary bees, and butterflies play essential roles in pollination and pest control. To help them through the winter, create insect-friendly shelters. Bug hotels are a simple and effective way to provide homes. These can be made by bundling hollow bamboo canes, drilling holes into wood, or stacking logs and twigs in a sunny corner of the garden. Leave areas of your garden slightly untidy, such as piles of fallen leaves or rotting wood, as these provide natural shelter for insects to burrow into.

Shelters for Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs, which feast on slugs and other pests, often struggle to find safe places to hibernate due to shrinking natural habitats. Building a hedgehog house is a great way to offer them protection. You can construct one from wood or buy a ready-made option. Place the shelter in a quiet, sheltered spot in the garden, away from strong winds and predators. Leave leaf piles or logs nearby, as hedgehogs use these to line their nests.

Creating Spaces for Frogs
Frogs are valuable for controlling insects and maintaining pond ecosystems. They often seek out damp, frost-free areas to hibernate. You can help by creating ponds with shallow edges, where frogs can bury themselves in mud. Alternatively, provide log piles near water sources or create stone piles for them to hide beneath.

By offering homes for overwintering insects, hedgehogs, and frogs, you contribute to a thriving garden ecosystem that benefits wildlife and your garden’s health year-round.