Helping animals in winter: How to turn your garden into a life raft!

Winter has arrived and nature is resting. But while we snuggle up in our warm homes, many animals are fighting for survival outside. It's hard to believe, but there are also numerous creatures in our gardens that urgently need our help. With a few simple measures, you can turn your garden into a true refuge for animals in winter. Find out now how you can help birds, hedgehogs and co. through the cold season!

Table of contents

Why is winter help for animals so important?
Which animals need our help?
How to create a winter paradise in your garden
Food for our feathered friends
Water supply in winter
Plants as a habitat
Further tips for an animal-friendly garden
Frequently asked questions and answers
How to get involved in nature conservation

Why is winter help for animals so important?

Winter is a tough test for many animals. During the cold season, food sources are scarce, temperatures drop and the habitat continues to shrink due to human intervention. However, with a little attention and commitment, we can help animals survive this difficult time better.

Hibernation strategies of animals

In order to survive the winter, animals have developed various strategies over the course of evolution that are adapted to their individual needs and lifestyles. Understanding these adaptations gives us an insight into the challenges they face:

• HibernationSome animals, such as hedgehogs and bats, reduce their body functions to a minimum in order to conserve energy. This causes their heart rate and body temperature to drop dramatically. These animals retreat to sheltered hiding places where they go for months without food.

• HibernationAnimals such as squirrels and badgers do not really hibernate, but alternate between active and dormant phases. They feed on their reserves and seek shelter during particularly cold periods.

• Active hibernationMany bird species, such as the robin, as well as mammals such as deer, remain active throughout the winter. They need to continuously find food to meet their energy needs, which becomes a particular challenge when there is snow and frost.

The biggest challenges for animals in winter

1. Lack of foodDuring the winter, food sources in nature become scarce. Many plants no longer bear seeds or fruit, insects retreat and the ground is often frozen, making it difficult to find food. Birds and small mammals in particular suffer from this shortage, as their energy requirements are increased by the cold.

2. ColdLow temperatures are a great burden, especially for small animals or those with low fat reserves. Without suitable shelters, they are defenceless against the weather. If animals lose too much body heat, they can starve to death, even if they can actually find enough food.

3. Loss of habitatThe increasing influence of humans on the environment is making it more and more difficult for animals to find suitable winter habitats. Natural refuges such as old trees, hedges or caves in soil and rock are increasingly disappearing. Instead, they have to rely on man-made alternatives or the smallest natural remnants.

4. Danger from frozen waterholesAccess to water is a challenge that is often underestimated. Ponds, streams and other water sources are often covered by a thick layer of ice during long periods of frost. Animals therefore have to wander further to find water, which puts a further strain on their energy reserves.

5. Disturbances caused by humansIn winter, supposedly harmless human interference can have serious consequences. Walkers in the forest, intensive gardening or uncontrolled pets disturb animals in their winter quarters or while foraging and can put their lives in danger.

Why winter aid is important for biodiversity

The cold season is a critical phase for many animal species. Those that do not survive the winter are unable to produce offspring, which has a long-term impact on the population and therefore on biodiversity. Rare and endangered species in particular, which are already suffering from habitat loss and environmental changes, can be protected through targeted support during the winter period. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps to preserve the ecological balance and give the animals a secure future.

Which animals need our help?

In winter, many animal species are in need, as their natural living conditions are severely restricted. Birds, mammals and insects are particularly affected and are dependent on our support in various ways. Here is an overview of some of the animals that need special help in winter:

Birds

• resident birds such as tits, sparrows and blackbirds remain in our latitudes in winter and often have to feed under difficult conditions. Frozen ground and snow cover make foraging difficult.

• Waterfowl such as ducks and swans depend on open water, which often freezes over in winter. Without access to water, they can starve or freeze to death.

Squirrels

Squirrels do not really hibernate, but are also active during the cold season. They feed on the stores they have built up in the fall. However, not all nuts and seeds that have been buried can be found in the snow, which makes foraging more difficult.

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs hibernate, but are dependent on a protected shelter. If they have not built up enough fat reserves in the fall, they will not survive the cold months. Young hedgehogs born too late are among the most endangered groups.

Insects

• Wild bees and other pollinatorsMany insect species hibernate in cavities, dead wood or under foliage. The destruction of these habitats can endanger their populations.

• ButterfliesSome species, such as the peacock butterfly, seek shelter in sheds or cellars, where they should remain undisturbed.

Amphibians and reptiles

Frogs, toads and lizards usually hibernate in frost-free hiding places such as holes in the ground or under stones. Interfering with these habitats can endanger their lives.

Wild animals

• Roe deer and wild boarThese animals have to travel longer distances in winter in search of food. Snow cover and frozen ground make access to plants and roots difficult.

• Bats: They look for protected and frost-free places such as caves or attics to hibernate. Disturbances can bring them out of their energy-saving mode and result in their death.

Why these animals need our help

The cold season poses major challenges for many animals, which are exacerbated by human interference in nature. Habitat loss, lack of food and human disturbance can have fatal consequences. By consciously addressing the needs of different species, we can provide targeted help and thus make an important contribution to the protection of wildlife.

How to create a winter paradise in your garden

An animal-friendly garden can be a safe haven for animals not only in summer, but also in winter. With simple adaptations and a natural design, you can help numerous animal species to survive the cold season.

Preserve natural structures

One of the simplest and most effective measures to help animals in winter is to maintain natural structures:

• Piles of leaves and brushwoodThese serve as refuges for hedgehogs, amphibians and insects. Simply leave the autumn leaves in a corner of the garden instead of removing them.

• Dead woodBranches and tree trunks provide shelter for insects and small mammals and are an important source of food for many animals.

• Hedges and shrubsDense hedges such as hornbeam or privet offer birds protection from predators and adverse weather conditions.

Create watering holes

Access to water is also essential in winter. Frozen ponds and streams make it difficult for many animals to find water. Help them by:

• setting up a shallow water dish,

• changing the water regularly and

• making sure that the bowl does not freeze over completely.

Plants as winter resources

Many plants make an important contribution to providing food and habitat for animals:

• Leave seed headsPlants such as sunflowers or thistles also provide seeds for birds in winter.

• Berry-bearing shrubsRowan, hawthorn and privet provide birds with energy-rich fruit.

• Winter bloomersPlants such as snowdrops or Christmas roses provide food for the few active insects.

Design retreats

Offer the animals sheltered places where they can retreat from the cold and predators:

• Hedgehog housesYou can either buy these or build them yourself using wood and leaves.

• Nesting boxesBirds also use nesting boxes outside the breeding season as a shelter against wind and weather.

• Insect hotels: A great way to provide winter quarters for wild bees and other insects.

Do not use chemicals

Avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides that can harm the animals. Instead, you can use natural alternatives to keep your garden healthy and animal-friendly.

Why an animal-friendly garden is important

By creating a winter paradise in your garden, you are actively helping to protect species. Not only are you creating habitats, but you are also strengthening the ecological balance. Any garden, large or small, can become a valuable refuge for animals and help them survive the cold season.

Food for our feathered friends

In winter, the food supply for birds is severely limited. Frozen ground and snow cover make it difficult to find seeds, insects and berries. Targeted feeding helps our feathered friends to survive the cold season and at the same time offers the opportunity to observe these fascinating animals at close range.

Why feeding birds in winter makes sense

Additional feeding is particularly important for resident birds such as tits, sparrows, blackbirds and robins, as they do not migrate to warmer regions in winter. Feeding allows them to

• Replenish energy stores to survive the frosty nights.

• Support the population of native bird species that would otherwise be weakened by a lack of food.

• Compensate for food shortages in urban areas where natural resources are often lacking.

Suitable bird food

The right food depends on the needs of the different bird species. A mixture of different types of feed ensures that many species benefit:

• Fat foodFat food: fat dumplings, fat blocks or self-mixed feed mixtures of vegetable fat, oat flakes and seeds are rich in energy and ideal for cold periods.

• Seeds and grainsSunflower seeds, millet and hemp seeds are popular with sparrows, finches and other grain eaters.

• Soft foodRaisins, apples and oatmeal are suitable for soft feeders such as blackbirds and robins.

• PeanutsUnsalted and untreated peanuts are a protein-rich source of energy that is appreciated by many bird species.

What to avoid

Not every food is suitable for birds. The following foods should be avoided:

• Salted or spicyBread, salted peanuts or leftovers can be harmful to birds.

• Moldy foodSpoiled food leads to illness and should be removed immediately.

• Dairy productsThese can cause digestive problems and should not be offered.

Set up feeding stations

A well-designed feeding station increases the safety and efficiency of winter feeding:

• FeedersClosed models with small openings protect the food from moisture and snow.

• Hanging feeders: Tit dumplings or feeding columns can be attached to branches or balconies and are safe from ground predators.

• Ground feedersFor ground-feeding species such as blackbirds or finches, feed can be put out in snow-free areas.

Observe hygiene

To prevent the spread of disease, the cleanliness of the feeding station is crucial:

• Clean feeders regularly and remove old food residue.

• Place feeders in such a way that they are protected from droppings and moisture.

• If there are signs of sick birds, stop feeding temporarily and disinfect the feeders thoroughly.

With well thought-out feeding and suitable feeding stations, you can make an important contribution to the survival of native birdlife and experience nature up close at the same time.

Shelter for hedgehogs and co.

Winter can be a huge challenge for many animals. Hedgehogs in particular depend on a safe shelter to brave the cold months. But many other animals such as toads, insects and smaller mammals also benefit from a natural shelter in the garden. Here are some simple measures you can take to welcome hedgehogs and co. into your garden:

Build a hedgehog house:

A hedgehog house provides hedgehogs with a warm and sheltered place to get through the winter safely. It must be dry, draught-free and well insulated so that the hedgehog is not disturbed by the cold during hibernation.

• Materials list:

  • A sturdy piece of wood for the outer walls.
  • Insulation material such as straw, leaves or hay.
  • An entrance hatch (approx. 12 cm x 12 cm) that offers the hedgehog enough space but also protects it from larger predators.
  • Roof tiles or a removable wooden panel as a roof.

• Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Choose a quiet, shady spot in the garden that is protected from direct sunlight and strong winds.
  2. Build the walls of the house and make sure that they are stable and have no cracks through which the hedgehog can escape or cold can penetrate.
  3. Cover the roof with water-repellent material to keep the inside dry.
  4. Fill the house with leaves, straw or hay so that the hedgehog has a soft and insulated surface to lie on.
  5. Make sure the house is big enough for the hedgehog to curl up in, but not so big that it gets lost inside.

• Placement: Place the hedgehog house in a quiet, undisturbed spot in the garden. A spot under bushes or in a corner area is ideal, as it is usually dry and protected from predators. An area with leaves or brushwood is also suitable.

Piles of leaves and brushwood:

A simple but very effective shelter for hedgehogs and other animals is a pile of leaves or brushwood. These not only provide a good winter resting place for hedgehogs, but also for numerous insects and small mammals.

• How big should the pile be? The pile should be at least 1 meter high and about 1.5 to 2 meters in diameter to provide sufficient protection. The thickness of the pile means that the heat is retained for longer, so that animals such as hedgehogs can burrow in safely.

• Permanent maintenance: To keep the pile intact in the long term, you should regularly top it up with fresh leaves and brushwood. Avoid disturbing the pile in winter, as many animals hibernate in it.

Deadwood areas:

A deadwood area in the garden is not only a decorative element, but also provides a safe haven for many animals such as toads, beetles and insects. Deadwood stores heat and creates a moist, protected environment, which is particularly important for animals in winter.

• Why are deadwood areas important? Deadwood areas provide a habitat for many animals that seek shelter in winter. The rotting of wood creates small cavities in which various animals can settle. These wood structures contribute to biodiversity and create a microclimate that can be vital for animal survival.

• Tip: Deliberately leave some of the wood in the garden, e.g. fallen tree trunks or branches. You can also arrange them in small "piles" or "caves" to provide a refuge for animals such as hedgehogs or lizards.

Water supply in winter

In winter, a sufficient water supply is just as important for wild animals as food. Many bodies of water freeze over and animals find it difficult to access fresh water. By providing an ice-free water source in the garden, you will not only help birds but also other animals to survive the winter.

Keep bird baths ice-free:

A bird bath is a favorite gathering place for birds, especially during the cold months when natural water sources are frozen. To provide birds with a place to drink in winter, you must ensure that the water does not freeze.

• Tricks with warm water or special aids:
  • Add warm water regularly to prevent freezing. Make sure that you don't just replace the water once, but check it regularly.
  • Use special bird bath heaters or heating mats to ensure that the water does not freeze in cold temperatures. These devices are energy efficient and ensure a continuous supply of water.
  • Another option is to place a tea light in a suitable lantern under the bird bath. The heat from the tea light can keep the water liquid in small quantities in the long term.

DIY watering hole for the balcony:

Even if you don't have a garden, you can set up a watering hole for birds and insects on your balcony. Here are some tips on how you can easily do this:

• Set up a shallow bowl or container that has enough room for birds, but isn't too deep so they can't drown themselves in it.
• Make sure the container is sheltered from the wind to minimize evaporation and keep the water fresh for as long as possible.
• Fill the bowl regularly with fresh water, especially on frost-free days.

Ice freezer in the garden pond:

If you have a garden pond, it is particularly important to keep it ice-free in winter. Frozen water not only means that animals cannot drink, but also that the exchange of gases in the pond is disrupted, which can be harmful to the ecosystem.

• Which models are useful? There are various types of ice freezers that are suitable for ponds:

  • Flyer ice freezers: these devices keep a small opening in the ice clear, preventing a thick layer of ice from forming. They are easy to install and require little energy.
  • Solar-powered ice freezers: An environmentally friendly option that can also be used to aerate the pond in summer. They are particularly efficient if the pond receives sufficient sunlight.
  • Heating coils: These devices are inserted into the pond and prevent the water from freezing on the surface.

• How do they work? Ice freezers usually work with a small heating element or mechanical systems that create an opening in the ice. As a result, the water remains liquid even at sub-zero temperatures and animals such as birds, squirrels and wildlife can continue to drink.

Plants as a habitat

Winter offers a unique opportunity not only to enrich your garden with food and shelter for birds and other animals, but also to create habitats through targeted plant selection. Certain plants provide food, shelter and an ideal environment for wildlife, especially during the colder months. Here are some tips on how to make your garden more winter-friendly for wildlife:

Plant winter-flowering plants:

Winter-flowering plants are a valuable food source for animals and also beautify the garden during the cold season. Insects such as bees and butterflies in particular can still find nectar here, and birds can benefit from the seeds.

• Suitable species:
  • Christmas roses (Helleborus niger): These robust plants already bloom in winter and are one of the few that bring color to the garden bed during the cold months.
  • Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis): Although they are often associated with spring, they often appear in late winter and therefore provide a valuable source of food early on.
  • Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum): This plant flowers even at low temperatures and provides shelter as well as food for birds in winter.
• Advantages: Winter-flowering plants not only attract insects, but also provide shelter and a food source for birds and other animals in an otherwise barren period. Their flowers are often one of the last sources of food before spring.

Berry-bearing shrubs for birds:

Berry-bearing shrubs are not only pretty to look at, but also extremely useful for wildlife in winter. They provide a valuable food source for birds, which can benefit from the berries when other food sources become scarce.

• Suggestions:

  • Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia): Its bright red berries are a favorite treat for birds. The shrub also offers protection from wind and cold.
  • Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides): This shrub is particularly resistant to the cold and is a valuable food source for birds.
  • Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): Elderberries are also an important source of food and provide shelter for birds in winter.

• Tips: Plant these shrubs in a sheltered, sunny spot in your garden to provide a reliable food source for birds. You can also integrate the shrubs into a fence or garden border planting to create a natural boundary at the same time.

Leave seed heads in the bed:

In winter, many animals, especially birds, have a great need for food, and seed heads are an excellent source of food. If you refrain from cutting everything in the fall, many plants can help the animals through the winter.

• Which plants are particularly suitable?
  • Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus): The dried seed heads are a popular food source for birds, especially tits and finches.
  • Thistles (Cirsium spp.): The seeds of thistles are also a tasty treat for birds.
  • Card thistle (Dipsacus fullonum): This is also a valuable plant for feeding birds in winter.
• Why should the seed heads be left standing? Seed heads not only provide food, but also shelter and hiding places for small animals and insects. In addition, the dried plant parts can serve as a winter shelter for various animals such as butterflies and beetles.

Further tips for an animal-friendly garden

In addition to the measures already mentioned, there are many other ways in which you can make your garden a real paradise for animals in winter. From building an insect hotel to maintaining a compost heap, here are some additional tips you can implement to support wildlife in your garden.

Use insect hotels correctly:

Insects are particularly vulnerable in winter, as many species lose their habitats or go into hibernation. An insect hotel offers the little helpers protection and shelter.

• What you should bear in mind when building or buying one:

  • Make sure that the insect hotel is made of natural materials such as wood, reeds, straw or pine cones. These materials provide the right structure for insects to nest in.
  • The hotel should be placed in a sunny but sheltered spot in the garden, ideally near flower beds or shrubs where insects can find food in spring.
  • Different chambers and openings provide suitable shelter for different insect species. For example, wild bees need thin tubes, while ladybugs hide in cracks and cavities.

• How insect hotels remain useful in the long term:

  • Make sure the insect hotel is protected from the weather to protect the material from moisture.
  • In winter, it is important not to disturb the hotel, as many insects, such as ladybugs and wild bees, survive the winter here.

Compost heap as a habitat:

A compost heap is not only ideal for recycling waste, but is also a valuable habitat for many animals. Among the decomposers such as worms, beetles and other small animals, many creatures find a safe haven.

• Tips for animal-friendly design:
  • Leave the compost heap in a quiet corner of the garden and, if possible, layer it with natural materials such as leaves, grass and small twigs.
  • A compost heap should not be too dry, so make sure it is kept moist regularly. A high level of moisture can also help the animals to find a safe place.
  • In winter, the insulating effect of compost protects animals such as hedgehogs that like to hide there.

Create a wildflower meadow:

A wildflower meadow is a valuable habitat for numerous animals all year round. Especially in winter, it helps many insects and birds.

• Why it is also valuable in winter:

  • Wildflowers provide birds with a valuable source of food in winter, especially the seed heads of plants such as poppies, clover and dandelions.
  • In addition, the dry stems and seed heads help many insects to hide in sheltered corners and survive the winter.
  • Wildflower meadows are also a paradise for pollinating insects in spring and summer, which also benefits plant diversity.

• Ideas for permanent planting:

  • Make sure you plant bee-friendly plants such as lavender, bluebells or cornflowers in your meadow, which are particularly valuable for pollinators.
  • Leave the meadow unmown in winter so that the plants can provide seedbeds and insects can find shelter.

With these additional measures, you can make your garden a safe and rich habitat for animals, which is also rich in food and shelter during the winter months. Every little step helps wildlife survive the cold season and bounce back in spring.

Frequently asked questions and answers

There are many questions that frequently arise in connection with helping animals in winter. From legal aspects to practical tips - here we answer the most important questions you may have had yourself.

Is it allowed to feed wild animals?

Feeding wild animals is a delicate matter and is influenced by legal regulations in many countries. In Germany, for example, there are no blanket bans, but there are some important aspects to bear in mind.

• Legal basis and local regulations:

  • In many regions, there are specific regulations on feeding wild animals, especially wild boar and deer. These animals may only be fed in certain cases, as too much food can disrupt their natural behavior and spread disease.
  • Make sure that you do not attract any animals to your garden that do not live there naturally. Especially in cities, feeding animals such as wild boars can be problematic.
  • However, feeding birds is generally permitted and recommended, especially in harsh winters.

• Which species may be fed and how:

  • Birds: Birds such as blackbirds, sparrows and tits can be fed in winter without any problems. Specially designed feeders or tit dumplings are suitable for this. Make sure that you do not feed any salty or spicy foods, as these can be harmful to birds.
  • Squirrels: You can support squirrels with nuts (preferably without salt) and special feeders.
  • Hedgehogs: Hedgehogs should also be supported if they have not been able to build up enough supplies in the fall. A special hedgehog food or cat food can help.

What to do if an animal is injured?

If you find an injured animal in your garden, it's important to stay calm and find the right way to treat it. Here are some basic steps you can take:

• First aid for birds, hedgehogs and other animals:

  • Birds: If you find an injured bird that can't fly, try to carefully place it in a sturdy box and move it to a quiet, safe place. Avoid direct contact, as many birds are very sensitive to human proximity.
  • Hedgehogs: If you find a hedgehog that seems too weak or injured, try to place it carefully in a hedgehog house or box and keep it warm. Offer it some cat food or special hedgehog food.
  • Other animals: In the case of larger animals such as wild boar or deer, it is often better to contact a vet or local wildlife rescue center immediately.

• Contact: vet, nature conservation organizations:

  • Vet: If you are unsure how to help an animal, it is always advisable to contact a vet. They can assess the severity of the injury and take the right steps.
  • Conservation organizations: In many regions, there are specialized organizations that take care of injured wild animals. They not only offer medical help, but can also provide you with further information on handling wild animals.

How to get involved in nature conservation

The protection of animals and natural habitats goes far beyond your own garden. There are many ways in which you can get actively involved in nature conservation and have a positive impact on the environment. Here are some ideas on how you can help - whether it's through donations, direct action or raising awareness in your community.

Support animal welfare organizations:

Conservation organizations and animal welfare groups rely on the support of donors to continue their important projects. With a donation, you can make a contribution that directly benefits the animals.

• How and where to donate:

  • You can donate specifically to organizations that work to protect wildlife and habitats. These organizations often also offer regular memberships with which you can help in the long term.
  • Examples of such organizations in Germany are the WWF, NABU, BUND or local wildlife stations. You can find information about their projects and how you can support them on their websites.
  • Many organizations also offer the opportunity to fund specific projects, e.g. the construction of nesting boxes or the rescue of injured animals.

• Animal sponsorships as a gift idea:

  • A particularly nice way to get involved in animal welfare is to adopt an animal. You choose an animal and help to care for it with your monthly donation.
  • Animal sponsorships are a wonderful gift idea for people who want to give something special and sustainable. In this way, you can make your contribution to the protection of endangered animal species and raise awareness of nature conservation at the same time.

Take part in campaigns:

Many organizations offer regular campaigns where you can actively help out. These activities not only offer you the opportunity to do good, but also to network with other nature conservation enthusiasts.

• Examples: "Hour of the Winter Birds", building shelters in the neighborhood:

  • "Stunde derWintervögel": in Germany, the "Stunde der Wintervögel" is organized every year. You can observe birds in your garden and report the results to an organization such as NABU. The data is then used to monitor bird populations and better protect their habitats.
  • Building shelters in the neighborhood: You can also take direct action in your neighborhood. For example, you can build shelters for hedgehogs and other animals with other gardening enthusiasts or install bird nesting boxes. There are also projects in which entire neighborhoods are certified as "green oases" that are particularly animal-friendly.

• Actions on a social level:

  • You can also promote awareness of nature conservation and animal welfare through your social networks. Share posts, support crowdfunding campaigns or start your own initiatives to encourage people to get involved in protecting animals and nature.

Act sustainably:

In addition to financial support and direct action, you can also make your own everyday life more sustainable to promote nature conservation.

• Buy sustainable products: When buying products, make sure that they come from sustainable sources and are environmentally friendly. Avoid products that contribute to the destruction of natural habitats or endanger animals.
• Reduce plastic waste: Reduce your plastic consumption and opt for reusable materials. Less plastic waste means less danger for animals that could become entangled in waste or accidentally ingest it.
• Save energy: You can also help to reduce CO2 emissions in your own household by saving energy, which will also benefit the climate and animals in the long term.