When it gets cold outside: How to properly support wildlife

When temperatures drop and nature dons its winter attire, many native wild animals find themselves in a challenging situation. While we humans prepare for the cold season with warm rooms, light, and plenty of supplies, it becomes increasingly difficult for birds, hedgehogs, squirrels, or small mammals to find food, water, and safe retreats. Therefore, it is worthwhile to take a closer look at how we can sensibly support wild animals without disturbing them or interfering with their natural processes. With a few simple steps, balconies, gardens, or terraces can be designed to allow animals to get through the winter months stress-free.

Why wild animals need our support in winter

Winter presents three major challenges for wild animals: less food, limited movement spaces, and unpredictable weather. Frosty nights, snow covers, or long rainy periods significantly hinder the search for food. At the same time, landscapes shaped by humans, smooth garden areas, and tidy green spaces take away important natural hiding places for many animals. Those who consciously offer small aids can specifically fill these gaps and ensure that native species come through the cold season healthy and safe.

Three simple measures that help immediately

1. Set up feeding stations correctly

Many animals consume significantly more energy in winter, so they also need more food. Birds, in particular, benefit from sheltered, dry feeding stations. It is important to choose high-quality food without salt, sugar, or artificial additives. A covered feeding station that is cleaned daily reduces the risk of disease and provides a reliable point of contact.

2. Keep water available

Water is often underestimated in winter but is vital. Frozen puddles and rain barrels make it difficult for wild animals to take in fluids. A shallow dish with fresh water, ideally in a sheltered place, can be crucial. In case of frost, a frost-free coaster or a heated element is recommended to keep the water surface open.

3. Create shelter

Many animals, especially hedgehogs or certain bird species, rely on retreats. Even small measures like a pile of leaves, a stack of wood, or a birdhouse help create a safe haven. It is important not to rearrange or tidy up these retreats during winter dormancy to avoid disturbing the animals.

What wild animals particularly need now

Not all animals have the same needs, and many behaviors seem surprising at first glance. Knowing which species requires what kind of support makes it easier to choose the right measures. While birds mainly need energy food, hedgehogs rely on sheltered places and high-quality, protein-rich food. Small mammals, in turn, need safe paths to reach feeding stations without danger. Understanding these differences helps to optimally design the garden or balcony.

Overview: How you can help wildlife through the winter

Areas you should consciously leave natural

A particularly effective contribution to winter assistance for wildlife is to deliberately leave certain areas in the garden or on the property to themselves. Many animal species rely on natural structures that are hardly found in tidy gardens. Leaf piles under shrubs provide hedgehogs with sheltered places for their winter rest, while small mammals and insects find refuge in brushwood or wood piles. Even withered perennials, tall grass, or untended corners are valuable habitats that offer food and cover. Those who do not remove these natural areas but deliberately leave them create important retreats without having to make great efforts. Especially in winter, when rest and protection are vital, such natural zones are gratefully accepted by many animal species and support a healthy, stable ecosystem in one's own garden.

How animal-friendly movement spaces can help

In winter, it becomes more difficult for many animals to move safely from one sheltered area to the next. Smooth, open, or heavily sealed surfaces act as barriers and unnecessarily cost small animals energy. However, with simple measures, the outdoor area can be turned into a better-connected habitat. Low-growing plants, small passages under fences, or deliberately left hedge strips offer protected paths on which animals can more easily reach feeding sites, water, or shelters. Such natural corridors make it easier for wildlife to travel energy-efficiently even in snow and frost – an advantage that can be crucial especially in long winters.

Protecting wildlife from dangers in the garden

In addition to cold and food shortages, hidden dangers in one's own garden also pose a risk to wildlife. Particularly open light wells, rain barrels, smooth tubs, or steep cellar stairs can become traps. In winter, when animals may be weakened and disoriented, this risk increases. Even simple measures such as grates on light wells, lids on barrels, or slanted branches as exit aids prevent accidents and make it easier for animals to navigate the outdoor area safely. Those who check and secure such potential hazards create a significantly safer environment for hedgehogs, birds, and small mammals.

Conclusion: Small gestures – big impact for our wildlife

Every year, winter presents new challenges for wildlife, but even simple measures can be crucial. Those who provide food, water, and retreats while paying attention to hygiene, distance, and naturalness make a valuable contribution to species conservation. Even small balconies can become important points of contact when they are consciously designed to be winter-friendly. With a little care, you create a protected space for birds, hedgehogs, and many other animal species – and help them come through the cold season safely and strengthened.