Allotment Wildlife Watch: January Edition

Introduction

January might seem like a quiet time on the allotment, but it’s a vital month for wildlife. With food scarce and shelter essential, the animals and birds that inhabit your plot rely on careful planning and small acts of kindness to survive the winter months. Despite the cold, many creatures are active, from birds foraging for seeds to mammals seeking refuge in undisturbed corners. In this January Edition of Allotment Wildlife Watch, we’ll explore the wildlife you might encounter, practical ways to support them, and the benefits of fostering biodiversity even in the depths of winter. Whether you’re tending to winter crops or simply observing nature, January is an ideal time to connect with and nurture the ecosystem on your allotment.

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

Click to check the book on Amazon

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.

Why Focus on Allotment Wildlife in January?

Supporting wildlife in January has numerous benefits for your allotment and the environment:

Critical Survival Support: With natural food sources limited, wildlife depends on additional help to make it through the winter.
Pest Control Preparation: Encouraging predators like birds and hedgehogs now sets the stage for natural pest management come spring.
Pollination Potential: Supporting overwintering pollinators ensures a strong start to your garden’s growing season.
Year-Round Ecosystem Health: Maintaining biodiversity during winter keeps your allotment balanced and thriving year-round.
Personal Well-being: Observing wildlife can be a calming and inspiring way to connect with nature, even during the colder months.

By taking small steps to support wildlife in January, you can make a significant impact on their survival and the health of your allotment.

Wildlife to Watch for in January

Despite the chill, a variety of wildlife can be spotted on your allotment in January. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Birds

Winter is a busy time for birds as they search for food and conserve energy:

Robin (Erithacus rubecula): These friendly birds are often seen hopping around looking for worms and insects.
Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus): Agile and colorful, blue tits hunt for insects and seeds in trees and shrubs.
Blackbird (Turdus merula): These ground-feeding birds forage for berries and insects in leaf litter.
Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs): Frequently found near feeders, these birds enjoy seeds and nuts.

2. Mammals

Mammals are less visible during winter but remain active in search of food and shelter:

Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus): Often hibernating, hedgehogs may stir on warmer days to forage.
Field Mice (Apodemus sylvaticus): These tiny mammals search for seeds and grains, particularly near compost heaps.
Foxes (Vulpes vulpes): Foxes patrol allotments at night, looking for scraps or small prey.

3. Insects

Some insects are dormant, while others may emerge on mild days:

Ladybirds (Coccinellidae): Often found hibernating in log piles or under leaf debris.
Queen Bumblebees: Occasionally emerge to forage for nectar on unseasonably warm days.
Butterflies: Overwintering species like peacocks and small tortoiseshells may be spotted in sheds or woodpiles.

4. Amphibians

Frogs and Toads: Amphibians hibernate in damp areas like ponds or compost heaps but may emerge briefly in milder weather.

5. Predators

Owls (Strigiformes): Tawny owls and barn owls hunt for small mammals during the night.
Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus): These birds of prey hover over fields near allotments, searching for prey.

How to Support Wildlife in January

Creating a welcoming environment for wildlife during the winter months can make a significant difference. Here’s how to help:

1. Provide Food

Bird Feeders: Stock feeders with high-energy foods like sunflower seeds, suet, and mealworms to support birds during cold weather.
Fruit Offerings: Leave windfall apples or provide fresh fruit for birds and mammals.
Wildflower Seeds: Allow seed heads from wildflowers and sunflowers to remain for birds to eat.
Compost Piles: Compost heaps attract worms and insects, providing a food source for mammals and birds.

2. Offer Water

Bird Baths: Keep water sources ice-free by adding warm water or using a floating ball to prevent freezing.
Ponds: Maintain open areas in frozen ponds by floating a plastic ball or carefully pouring warm water.

3. Create Shelter

Log Piles: Create log piles or brush heaps to provide shelter for insects, amphibians, and small mammals.
Hedgehog Houses: Ensure hedgehog shelters are undisturbed and in good condition.
Leaf Litter: Leave fallen leaves in some areas to offer insulation and hiding spots for wildlife.

4. Plant for Winter

Evergreens: Shrubs like holly and ivy provide year-round cover and food.
Winter-Flowering Plants: Flowers like hellebores and snowdrops offer nectar for early pollinators.
Berry-Producing Shrubs: Hawthorn and rowan provide essential winter food for birds.

5. Avoid Disturbance

Quiet Zones: Designate undisturbed areas for wildlife to rest and shelter.
Check Before Clearing: Inspect compost heaps, log piles, or leaf litter for overwintering animals before tidying.

6. Monitor and Record

Wildlife Diary: Keep track of sightings to learn about the species visiting your allotment.
Citizen Science: Participate in projects like the Big Garden Birdwatch to support wildlife conservation.

Common Challenges and Solutions

1. Frozen Water Sources

Solution: Regularly top up bird baths and ponds with warm water to prevent freezing.

2. Food Scarcity

Solution: Supplement natural food sources with feeders and fruit offerings to support wildlife.

3. Shelter Disturbance

Solution: Avoid moving or clearing leaf piles, compost heaps, or log piles where wildlife may be resting.

4. Predation

Solution: Provide dense cover like hedgerows or log piles to protect small mammals and birds from predators.

5. Harsh Weather

Solution: Offer insulated shelters, such as hedgehog houses or thick brush piles, to protect wildlife from extreme cold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What birds are most active on allotments in January?

Answer: Robins, blue tits, blackbirds, and chaffinches are commonly seen foraging for food.

2. How can I stop water sources from freezing?

Answer: Use a floating ball or top up bird baths with warm water. Avoid chemicals or salt, which can harm wildlife.

3. Should I clear away all dead plants and leaves?

Answer: No, leave some areas undisturbed as they provide shelter and food for insects and small mammals.

4. How can I attract hedgehogs to my allotment?

Answer: Provide a hedgehog house, avoid slug pellets, and leave food like cat food or mealworms in a safe location.

5. Can I feed wildlife kitchen scraps?

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

6. How do I support pollinators in January?

Answer: Plant winter-flowering plants like hellebores and snowdrops to provide nectar for early-emerging bees and butterflies.

7. Are there any wildlife surveys I can join in January?

Answer: Yes, the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is a popular citizen science project held in late January.

8. How do I safely inspect compost heaps for wildlife?

Answer: Use a garden fork to gently turn sections of the heap, checking for resting animals like frogs or hedgehogs.

9. Can I plant anything for wildlife in January?

Answer: While planting is limited, you can prepare the soil and plan for wildlife-friendly flowers and shrubs in spring.

10. How do I keep my allotment wildlife-friendly in winter?

Answer: Provide food, water, and shelter, and avoid disturbing areas where wildlife might be resting or hibernating.

Conclusion

January is a critical month for wildlife, with many species relying on additional support to survive the cold. By providing food, water, and shelter, you can make a meaningful difference for the birds, mammals, and insects that share your allotment. Observing wildlife during this quieter season also fosters a deeper connection to nature and inspires a sense of stewardship for the ecosystem. Embrace the opportunities of the January Edition of Allotment Wildlife Watch, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a haven for biodiversity during winter’s chill.

Gardening With Ben Podcasts

If you love podcasts and are passionate about gardening, why not tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts? Packed with tips, inspiration, and plenty of down-to-earth advice, Ben’s podcasts are perfect for anyone looking to get the most out of their garden or allotment.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Gardening with Ben covers a wide range of topics to keep you informed and motivated. From seasonal planting guides and pest control tips to creating a wildlife-friendly space, there’s something for everyone. Each episode is filled with Ben’s friendly, relatable charm, making it feel like you’re chatting with a gardening buddy.

Don’t miss out on the latest episode below, where Ben shares his insights on what to plant this month, how to prepare your soil, and creative ways to make the most of the colder seasons. It’s the perfect companion for your next cup of tea or a relaxing moment in your gardening shed.

You can also listen to Gardening with Ben’s podcasts on your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Prefer hands-free? Simply ask Alexa, “Play Gardening with Ben,” and you’ll be ready to dig into the latest episode.

So, if you’re looking for gardening inspiration, practical advice, or just a bit of friendly encouragement to get your hands dirty, tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts. It’s your perfect gardening companion, wherever you are! 🌱🎧