1. Make a wood pile for wildlife 

As it starts to get colder, you might start to prune the trees in your garden. Don’t throw away the cut-offs though, instead use them to make a wood pile for wildlife. This will help out our 'sleepier' species, such as newts, certain beetles and plenty of other insects, who are looking for a place to get cosy and shut down for the winter. Find out more about making a log pile here.

2. Plant a tree 

Even though many of the trees around us are turning orange and gold, and will eventually have no leaves at all, this is still a great time to plant a tree. Flowering fruit trees can create whole ecosystems. One apple tree can provide homes for earwigs, spiders, moths, beetles, birds and much more. Fruit trees also develop decaying wood and fungi earlier than other trees, which means they’re also a ‘priority habitat’ for rare species. Not only that, but did you know fruit trees can help with drought tolerance? Find out more about how amazing fruit trees are here.  

3. Plant spring flowering bulbs 

As well as planting trees, why not plant some spring flowering bulbs? Pick ones that are good for pollinators like bluebells and get your garden buzzing in early spring! Make sure that you choose native species and only buy the bulbs from a reputable garden centre or shop – never take bulbs from the wild. We rely on pollinators for every third mouthful we eat, so help them out by filling your garden with their favourite snack. You can find the best plants for bees and pollinators here.  

4. Introduce a water feature 

Autumn and winter are great times to introduce a water feature to your garden. Amphibians like newts, frogs and toads use water as shelter and breeding grounds when spring arrives. Butterflies get valuable minerals and salts from slightly muddy water, and birds use water to bathe and remove parasites. It is important to keep the water topped up during the chilly winter months as sources of water can become frozen and more difficult to find. To make it as appropriate as possible, ensure your water source is shallow with gradual and rough-textured edges. This will mean that anything that climbs in can get out again. Find top tips for providing water for wildlife here.  

5. Maintain your bird boxes 

Last but definitely not least, we can’t forget about our feathered friends who are amazing to watch all year round. Help out the birds visiting your garden by installing and maintaining bird boxes for them to roost in over winter. Find out how to clean your bird box here. Not got a bird box? Find out how to make your own here.