As winter draws ever closer, it’s interesting to think about the ways in which wildlife prepares itself for the cold months ahead.

By now, most of the summer migrants are winging their way to warmer climates, such as Africa or the Mediterranean. Only a few remain, like the chiff chaff, or the odd martin or swallow that’s raised a third brood due to the long spell of hot weather this year.

Squirrels are busy gathering acorns, and if you watch closely, you might see them nibbling at the ends which prevents the acorn from sprouting once buried.

Creatures like hedgehogs, dormice, bats, reptiles, amphibians and insects, are all preparing themselves for the long winter’s sleep ahead. On cold days, with a bitter wind biting at my face and my fingers throbbing in agony, I wish I were hibernating with them, or better still, watching the swallows while enjoying the delights of a hot African sun.

The trees too are readying themselves for colder days to come, shedding their leaves before shutting down for the winter.

But climate change has softened our winters over the years, resulting in hedgehogs breeding in December when food is scarce, and some birds nesting early with food resources low.

So we need to help our wildlife wherever possible by offering food and water for hedgehogs and keeping bird tables well stocked with high-energy foods. In this way, we can help our wildlife as it prepares for winter.

LB Loxley