Allotment Wildlife Watch: February Edition

Introduction

February marks the transition from the depths of winter to the early signs of spring, and it’s a critical time for wildlife on your allotment. While the landscape may still be covered in frost, many animals are beginning to stir and prepare for the changing season. Birds are actively foraging, small mammals may start emerging from hibernation, and insects are slowly returning to life. February offers a unique opportunity to support these species by providing food, water, and shelter. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a newcomer to wildlife gardening, this edition of Allotment Wildlife Watch will guide you in creating a winter haven for wildlife. Let’s explore how to support your local ecosystem and make your allotment a welcoming environment in the midst of winter.

Why Focus on Wildlife in February?

February might seem quiet in terms of gardening, but it’s an essential time for supporting wildlife:

• Supporting Survival: Wildlife faces food shortages and harsh weather conditions, making your help crucial for survival.
• Encouraging Early Pollinators: Bees and other pollinators are already starting to emerge in search of food, setting the stage for spring crops.
• Establishing Habits: February is a great time to introduce wildlife-friendly practices that will benefit your allotment all year.
• Biodiversity Benefits: By supporting wildlife in the off-season, you’re fostering biodiversity and creating a balanced, healthy ecosystem.
• Connection to Nature: Observing and nurturing wildlife offers a deeper connection to your allotment and the natural world.

With a little care and attention, February can be a productive month in terms of supporting wildlife while also preparing for the upcoming growing season.

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Wildlife to Watch for in February

Despite the cold temperatures, many creatures are still active, searching for food and shelter. Here are some of the wildlife species you might encounter in February:

1. Birds

February is a busy time for birds as they prepare for the breeding season and search for food:

• Robin (Erithacus rubecula): Robins are among the first to start foraging for food during winter, often seen hopping around gardens and allotments.
• Blackbird (Turdus merula): These birds are foraging for berries and insects in the leaf litter, particularly in the early mornings and late afternoons.
• Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus): Blue tits are acrobatic feeders, often visiting bird feeders for seeds and insects.
• Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs): These colorful birds can be seen in groups, feeding on seeds and foraging for food.
• Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus): Wood pigeons can be found around allotments, scavenging for seeds and other food sources.

2. Mammals

Mammals remain active during February, though many are still in hibernation or seeking shelter:

• Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus): While many hedgehogs hibernate during winter, some may wake briefly in February to forage for food.
• Foxes (Vulpes vulpes): Foxes are often seen at dawn or dusk, searching for food. They may also be establishing dens as they prepare to raise young.
• Rats and Mice (Rattus spp. & Apodemus sylvaticus): These small mammals are active and often forage around compost heaps and bins for food.
• Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis): Squirrels are typically seen searching for hidden food supplies or foraging for seeds in trees.

3. Insects

Insects are largely dormant in the coldest months, but some may emerge during warmer spells:

• Ladybirds (Coccinellidae): Ladybirds hibernate in sheltered areas such as tree bark, leaf litter, and compost piles. On warmer days, they may become active and hunt aphids.
• Bees: Queen bees, especially bumblebees, may wake from hibernation during milder February days, looking for early pollen and nectar sources.
• Butterflies: Some overwintering species, such as peacocks and small tortoiseshells, may emerge on sunny days.

4. Amphibians

• Frogs and Toads: Amphibians typically remain dormant in colder months, but some may start to stir, especially during milder weather. Keep an eye out for frogs and toads near ponds or damp areas.

5. Predators

• Owls (Strigiformes): Barn owls and tawny owls can be heard or seen hunting for small mammals at night, particularly during colder, still evenings.
• Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus): These small birds of prey are often seen hovering in search of small mammals, especially in the early morning hours.

How to Support Wildlife in February

February is a time when wildlife is still relying on the resources you provide. Here’s how you can help:

1. Provide Food

• Bird Feeders: Fill feeders with seeds, nuts, and suet balls to help birds get the energy they need during winter. Consider offering high-fat foods, especially for species like robins and blue tits.
• Compost Piles: Compost heaps attract worms and insects that provide food for mammals and birds. Keep your compost pile moist and well-maintained.
• Fruit Offerings: Leave fruit like apples, pears, or berries on the ground for birds and small mammals to forage.
• Wildlife Mixes: Scatter mixed seeds and grains in sheltered spots to feed ground-feeding birds like blackbirds and chaffinches.

2. Offer Water

• Bird Baths: Keep bird baths clean and filled with water. In freezing temperatures, use a floating ball to prevent the water from freezing or top up with warm water during the day.
• Ponds: If you have a pond, make sure that part of the surface remains open to provide access to water for amphibians and birds.

3. Create Shelter

• Log Piles and Brush Heaps: Create shelter by piling logs, branches, or leaf piles in corners of your allotment to provide resting places for hedgehogs, insects, and small mammals.
• Hedgehog Homes: Set up hedgehog houses or leave areas of your allotment undisturbed for hedgehogs to nest in. Make sure the shelter is sheltered and dry.
• Wildlife Boxes: Install bird boxes to provide safe spaces for overwintering or early-nesting birds.

4. Plant for Winter

• Evergreens: Plant evergreen shrubs like holly or ivy, which provide cover and food for wildlife during the colder months.
• Winter-Flowering Plants: Plant hellebores, snowdrops, or winter aconites to offer nectar for early pollinators like bees.
• Berry-Producing Plants: Grow plants like hawthorn or rowan to provide winter food for birds.

5. Avoid Disturbance

• Leave Leaf Litter: Let fallen leaves stay in some parts of your allotment, providing cover for insects and small mammals.
• Minimize Activity: Avoid heavy activity in areas where wildlife may be resting or sheltering. If possible, delay any major clean-ups until later in the season.

6. Monitor and Record

• Wildlife Diary: Keep a wildlife diary to record sightings of different species, which will help you learn about their patterns and improve your care in future seasons.
• Citizen Science: Participate in wildlife surveys or events like the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch to support conservation efforts.

Common Challenges and Solutions

1. Frozen Water Sources

Solution: Use floating balls, top up bird baths regularly with warm water, or place a small stick in the water to prevent freezing.

2. Lack of Food

Solution: Supplement natural food sources by adding bird feeders, leaving windfall fruit, and maintaining a compost heap.

3. Shelter Disturbance

Solution: Avoid disturbing log piles, compost heaps, and dense shrubs where animals may be resting.

4. Harsh Weather

Solution: Provide insulated shelters, such as hedgehog houses, or create thick brush piles for animals to seek refuge from cold winds.

5. Increased Pest Activity

Solution: Encourage natural predators like birds, hedgehogs, and ladybirds to help keep pests under control, rather than using chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What birds am I likely to see in February?

Answer: You may see robins, blackbirds, blue tits, chaffinches, and wood pigeons as they search for food during the colder months.

2. How can I help hedgehogs in winter?

Answer: Provide a hedgehog house, avoid using slug pellets, and leave food like wet cat food or mealworms in sheltered areas.

3. How do I prevent bird baths from freezing?

Answer: Use a floating ball, top up with warm water, or place a stone in the bath to help prevent ice from forming.

4. Should I prune trees and shrubs in February?

Answer: It’s best to delay pruning until later in spring to avoid disturbing any nesting birds that may be in the area.

5. How can I help bees in February?

Answer: Provide early flowering plants like snowdrops, hellebores, or crocuses to provide bees with early nectar.

6. How do I identify a hibernating hedgehog?

Answer: Hibernating hedgehogs are usually curled up and sleeping in sheltered spots like under sheds, in compost heaps, or under hedgerows.

7. Can I feed wildlife kitchen scraps?

Answer: Yes, but avoid processed foods. Fresh fruit, unsalted nuts, and seeds are safe options.

8. How can I attract more birds to my allotment?

Answer: Provide a variety of food sources, including seeds, suet, and fresh fruit, along with water and safe nesting spots.

9. What is the best way to protect my allotment from pests?

Answer: Encourage natural predators like birds, hedgehogs, and ladybirds. Install bird boxes and provide food to support these helpful creatures.

10. What should I do if I find a hedgehog out during the day?

Answer: Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so a daytime appearance may indicate distress. Offer food and water and contact a local wildlife rescue for advice.

Conclusion

February is a critical month for wildlife, and by providing food, water, shelter, and care, you can make a significant impact on the survival of many species. Even in the coldest months, your allotment can become a thriving sanctuary for birds, mammals, and insects. The February Edition of Allotment Wildlife Watch encourages you to embrace this quieter time of year to make your garden a welcoming space for wildlife, ensuring that your allotment thrives year-round with a rich, balanced ecosystem.

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