Winter Wildlife at Risk: Three Simple Ways to Help Birds and Hedgehogs In Cornwall Survive the Cold Snap

As temperatures drop across Cornwall, wildlife is facing a tough few months. But with a little effort, homeowners can turn their gardens into life-saving havens for birds and other creatures struggling through the winter.

Barratt Homes and Barratt David Wilson Homes, the developers behind some of Cornwall’s biggest housing projects, have teamed up with the RSPB to share three simple but effective ways to support nature when it needs it most.

Give Birds a Warm and Dry Shelter

With freezing nights and wet weather, small birds need a safe place to roost. Nest boxes provide essential shelter, helping them stay warm by huddling together.

Another easy way to create shelter is by leaving a deadwood or leaf pile in your garden. These natural hideouts help birds and other creatures escape the cold.

Across the ‘West’ region in 2024, Barratt Homes and Barratt David Wilson Homes made significant efforts to protect wildlife, creating 39.2 hectares of green space in their developments. They also installed 2,027 priority species enhancements, including:

• 547 swift nesting bricks
• 1,167 hedgehog highways
• 163 bat boxes

This work aims to support woodland creatures, but even small changes in your own garden can make a big impact.

Feed Birds When Natural Food Runs Low

Birds burn through energy quickly in winter, and natural food sources like berries and seeds become harder to find. Providing extra food can make all the difference.

Set up hanging bird feeders in safe locations, using calorie-rich seed mixes, peanuts, and suet balls. To prevent predators from learning their location, move them around regularly. Clean feeders at least once a week to prevent disease.

Composting is another way to support wildlife while reducing food waste. A compost heap not only recycles organic scraps like vegetable peelings but also creates a habitat for insects, which in turn provide a natural food source for birds. Robins and blackbirds may even choose to nest there in spring.

Make Your Garden a Year-Round Sanctuary

Carefully chosen plants can provide vital shelter and food for birds throughout the seasons. Shrubs like native holly offer winter berries that attract blackbirds, bullfinches, sparrows, and thrushes.

For extra protection, let perennials stand through the winter rather than cutting them back. This provides cover for birds and small animals.

Adrian Thomas, the RSPB’s wildlife gardening expert, said:

“Whatever the size of your garden or outdoor space, it can offer shelter and food to a huge variety of wildlife which is especially important in the coldest months. Winter gardens are also beneficial for people! Getting outside, breathing some fresh air and being closer to nature is likely to give your wellbeing a boost at a time of year when it may really need it.”

Andrea Pilgrim, sales director for Barratt Homes, added:

“Creating a habitat fit for wildlife can help invite a variety of birds and woodland creatures into your space. This not only makes for an interesting period of birdwatching and wildlife spotting during the colder months but also contributes to the conservation of these species.”

She continued:

“We have a nationwide commitment to creating nature-friendly outdoor spaces of all sizes in our developments. These spaces range from gardens and balconies to communal areas, all of which are now flourishing with life.”

The Bigger Picture: Why Small Actions Matter

The UK has lost 38 million birds over the past 50 years, and species like house sparrows, starlings, and song thrushes are now considered of conservation concern.

With UK gardens and balconies covering more space than Cornwall itself, homeowners have a huge opportunity to make a difference. Simple steps like adding a nest box, providing food, or growing the right plants can help struggling wildlife get through the winter.

For more tips on how to make your garden wildlife-friendly this winter, visit Nature on Your Doorstep.

Barratt Homes are building high-quality and energy efficient Homes across Cornwall, including at Fairfax Heath in Tiverton, Pen Bethan in Falmouth and Treledan in Saltash.

The UK is home to spectacular wildlife and internationally important habitats, and yet it is in the bottom 10 per cent of countries globally for protecting nature. Sadly, nature in the UK is in trouble and in need of a helping hand, having lost 38 million birds over the last 50 years, with house sparrows, starlings and song thrushes all considered birds of conservation concern.