The most popular garden wildlife in winter: birds, bats and bugs in the UK

Winter changes everything in the garden. Food becomes scarce, shelter becomes essential and wildlife behaviour shifts. Even during the coldest months, many species depend on gardens to survive.

This guide explains which wildlife you are most likely to see in UK gardens during winter, how to recognise them and what practical steps you can take to support them.

If you are new to winter wildlife care, our guide on what to feed wildlife in your garden during winter in the UK explains safe food choices in more detail.

You can also browse all BRDBX wildlife articles here.

Which birds are most common in UK gardens during winter?

Birds are the most visible form of wildlife in British gardens during winter. Many familiar species remain active all year and rely heavily on gardens when natural food sources decline.

Robins, blue tits, great tits, house sparrows, blackbirds, starlings, wood pigeons and wrens are among the species most commonly seen. These birds spend much of the short winter day searching for food to maintain their body temperature. Because daylight hours are limited, they have less time to feed which makes reliable garden food sources particularly important.

During prolonged cold spells, birds may appear more frequently and in larger numbers. It is common to see mixed groups feeding together, even species that normally avoid each other. This behaviour helps them locate food more efficiently but it can also lead to competition around feeders.

Research into habitat loss has shown how important artificial nesting and roosting spaces have become. Our article on biodiversity net gain and the role of bird boxes in modern habitats explores this in more detail.

How do garden birds behave in winter?

In cold weather, birds conserve energy wherever possible. You may notice them sitting quietly for long periods with their feathers puffed up to trap warm air close to their bodies. Many species also seek sheltered spots to roost overnight, including dense hedges, climbing plants, sheds and bird boxes.

Feeding activity often starts earlier in the morning and continues later in the afternoon as birds try to build up fat reserves before nightfall. This is why consistency matters. Sudden gaps in feeding can be stressful for small birds during freezing conditions.

How can you help garden birds survive winter?

Providing food helps but shelter is just as important. A well-placed bird box gives birds a dry, insulated space to escape wind and frost overnight. Unlike breeding season boxes, winter roosting boxes may be used by several birds at once, especially during very cold nights.

You can find BRDBX bird boxes here.

If you are interested in seeing how BRDBX boxes are used beyond home gardens, our feature on BBC Gardeners’ World Live and the showcase garden installation shows how bird boxes can also support wildlife in public green spaces:

Are bats active in UK gardens during winter?

Most bats in the UK are not active during winter. As insect numbers fall, bats enter hibernation to conserve energy. During this time their heart rate slows dramatically and their body temperature drops to just above the surrounding air temperature.

Although they are rarely seen, bats remain present in the landscape throughout winter, hidden away in quiet sheltered locations.

Where do bats go during winter in the UK?

Bats choose places that remain stable in temperature and humidity. This can include roof spaces in older buildings, cracks in stone walls, hollow trees, bridges, tunnels and purpose built bat boxes. These locations protect them from freezing temperatures and disturbance.

A bat box provides an artificial roost that mimics the narrow spaces bats naturally seek. When installed in a suitable position, it can become part of a long term roosting network used year after year.

Can you see bats in winter?

It is unusual but not impossible to see bats flying during winter, particularly during mild spells. If a bat is found grounded or indoors during cold weather, it may be dehydrated or disturbed. In this situation, it is best to contact a local bat conservation organisation for guidance.

Bats are legally protected in the UK and should never be handled with bare hands or moved unnecessarily.

How can you help bats in winter?

Installing a bat box during winter helps create future roosting opportunities. While bats may not use it immediately, it allows them to discover the site before the breeding season begins.

You can view BRDBX bat boxes here.

Which insects and bugs survive winter in UK gardens?

Many insects do not disappear in winter. Instead, they survive by hiding in protected places until warmer weather returns. Gardens provide vital shelter for these species, especially in urban areas where natural habitats are limited.

Ladybirds often gather in clusters inside sheds or around window frames. Bumblebees may be found tucked into soil, compost or plant pots. Butterflies such as the peacock and small tortoiseshell overwinter as adults, resting in dark quiet spaces like garages or outbuildings.

Beetles, spiders and woodlice remain active at low levels beneath leaf litter, logs and bark where temperatures stay more stable.

Where do garden insects hide in winter?

Insects favour dry insulated locations. Leaf piles, log stacks, compost heaps and dense vegetation all provide protection from frost. Man made shelters such as insect houses and bug boxes also play an important role by offering structured cavities that stay relatively dry throughout winter.

How can you help insects survive winter?

Resisting the urge to over tidy your garden is one of the most effective ways to help insects. Leaving fallen leaves, dead stems and natural debris until spring creates a network of safe hiding places.

Adding a bug box gives insects a reliable refuge that remains intact even after storms or heavy rain.

You can explore BRDBX bug boxes here.

 

Why are UK gardens important for wildlife during winter?

Gardens are now among the most important wildlife habitats in the UK. During winter they provide food, water and shelter at a time when farmland and woodland resources are limited.

For small animals, access to just one safe feeding spot or sheltered roost can determine whether they survive until spring. Combining regular feeding with permanent habitat features such as boxes and natural cover creates a much stronger support system for wildlife.

Projects like the BRDBX habitat trail at RHS Bridgewater show how even simple habitat features can make a measurable difference at scale.

Supporting garden wildlife all year with BRDBX

BRDBX designs and builds wildlife homes specifically for British conditions, including bird boxes, bat boxes and bug boxes.

Installing wildlife housing during winter gives animals time to discover and trust new shelters before breeding season begins. Even a single box can support multiple species over its lifetime.

You can view all BRDBX collections here.

Creating a wildlife friendly garden does not require large space or major changes. Small thoughtful additions can make a meaningful difference.