The days are getting shorter, it’s getting colder, and our British wildlife is preparing itself for the winter. Laura Benfield, Head of Animal Care Services at Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Hunstpill, has issued some advice on how to look after the creatures in your garden over the winter months.

Laura said: “At this time of year, most wild animals are building their reserves to survive the cold season.

“The best way to support our wildlife is to supplement their diet with enough food for them to build their reserves but not so much that they become reliant on it.”

Laura’s top tips to care for the animals you are most likely to encounter in your garden are:

Birds:
– Refrain from cutting down trees and bushes while they still carry berries as these are valuable food sources for birds.
– Putting out a variety of food will help attract and support more species. Peanuts, sunflower hearts, wild bird seed and dried mealworms are all good options.
– Put up bird houses. The birds won’t nest in them for a little while yet but by having them there, they can familiarise themselves with them.

Hedgehogs:
– Meat-flavoured cat food is good for our prickly friends but if you are worried about attracting other cats into your garden, dried mealworms and sunflower hearts work equally well.
– Hedgehogs need cosy shelters to hibernate in. Leave a pile of logs or an overgrown area in your garden for them to nest in. Alternatively, Secret World Wildlife Rescue sells hedgehog shelters.
– Remember to check piles of leaves and bonfires carefully for hedgehogs and other creatures before setting alight. Ideally, only build a bonfire at the point of lighting it.

Squirrels:
– Leave shelled nuts out for the squirrels to bury and eat over winter.

Badgers and foxes:
– If you have badgers visiting your garden, they are fond of peanuts. As for foxes, they would appreciate some dog food.

Laura also warned against handling any injured animal you might come across. She said: “Your safety is paramount so don’t approach the animal. Instead call your local vet or the nearest wildlife centre for advice.”

Secret World has also launched a shoebox appeal this week for those who don’t have the pleasure of welcoming wildlife in their garden or want an alternative way to help.

Laura said: “We are encouraging members of the public to send us shoeboxes filled with goodies that will help us look after the animals in our care throughout the winter.”

Any donation will be greatly received but if people want to donate for a specific animal, the list below details what is appropriate for each species.

Badger:
– Dog meat (any variety)
– Dog biscuits (any variety)
– Custard creams (for weaning badgers)
– Dog Kong toy (for enrichment while they are at Secret World)
– Peanuts

Fox:
– Dog meat (any variety)
– Dog biscuits (any variety)
– Chew toy and Dog Kong toy (for enrichment while they are at Secret World)

Hedgehog:
– Cat meat (meat or poultry flavoured in jelly, no fish)
– Cat biscuits (meat or poultry flavoured, no fish)
– Dried mealworms
– Sunflower hearts
– Toothbrush (this is used when they are bathed for certain medical treatments)

Squirrel:
– Squirrel mix (Secret World recommends Ark Wildlife squirrel mix – whole nut)
– Small animal hammock
– Rodent chew toy
– Peanuts

The shoeboxes can be sent to: Secret World Wildlife Rescue, New Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3PZ.

Secret World provides a 24/7 service, 365 days a year to rescue sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. Members of the public who would like advice on how to look after wild animals or would like to report injured wildlife should call 01278 783 250.

Ends

Notes to editors:

About Secret World Wildlife Rescue

• Secret World Wildlife Rescue is a leading wildlife rescue charity (charity number 1097119)
• Secret World (or Bluebell Sett as it was then known) was founded in 1992 by Pauline Kidner.
• In 2005, Secret World Wildlife Rescue grew into a 24/7, 365 days a year wildlife rescue centre, caring for over 5,500 sick, injured and orphaned animals each year.

Sarah-Jane Freni
Account Director
Shooting Star
0117 3131120
sarahjane@weareshootingstar.co.uk

[SWWR04Caringforwildlife]