What to feed wildlife in your garden during winter in the UK

What to feed wildlife in your garden during winter in the UK

Helping wildlife through colder months supports birds, mammals and insects when natural food is scarce. This guide explains the best food to offer in winter, how to keep feeding stations safe and which options help species that commonly visit UK gardens. It is written for easy reading and optimised for search across Google UK and AI tools.

 

What to feed garden birds

Birds rely heavily on garden feeding in winter. Offer high energy options such as sunflower hearts, suet pellets unsalted peanuts, mealworms and winter seed mixes. Avoid bread or salted food as these offer little value. Keep feeders clean to reduce the risk of disease.

Explore bird boxes that support nesting in early spring at BRDBX.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What to feed hedgehogs

 Some hedgehogs wake during mild spells and may need extra food. Provide meat based hedgehog food wet cat or dog food or dry biscuits. Never give milk or mealworms. Leave fresh water in a shallow bowl.

Click here to see hedgehog homes designed to offer safe shelter.

 

What to feed squirrels 

Grey squirrels stay active through winter and can help themselves to bird food. If you want to feed them directly offer unsalted nuts seeds or small pieces of fruit. Feeding is optional but can reduce pressure on bird feeders.

 

How to support insects 

Insects overwinter in sheltered spots. Add leaf piles, keep seed heads on plants or place bug hotels to retain habitat for pollinators.

Browse wildlife homes that encourage insects to stay in your garden:

 

Water for winter wildlife 

Fresh water is vital when temperatures drop. Break the ice on bird baths or shallow trays each morning. Add stones so small creatures can drink safely.

 

Consistent feeding through winter 

If you begin feeding, try to maintain it throughout the season so wildlife does not arrive to find empty feeders. Remove spoiled food and refill regularly, especially during frost or snow.

 

Keeping your garden safe 

Make feeding areas safer by keeping cats indoors at busy feeding times, clearing debris under feeders, avoiding pesticides and offering shelter with shrubs logs or wildlife homes.

 

For more wildlife friendly ideas visit our biird boxes for UK birds.