Cold Snap Puts Garden Wildlife at Risk
With freezing temperatures forecast across the South East, Squire’s Garden Centres is encouraging gardeners to take a few simple steps to support garden wildlife during the cold snap – particularly birds, which face increased pressure during the winter months.
The advice comes as the RSPB prepares for its annual Big Garden Birdwatch (23–25 January), the world’s largest garden wildlife survey – which highlights the vital role gardens play in supporting wildlife at a time when many UK bird species are in decline.
Squire’s Wildlife Expert, Dan Reep recommends keeping bird feeders topped up with high-energy food, providing fresh (unfrozen) water daily, and leaving seed heads, leaf piles and natural cover to offer shelter. Gardeners are also urged to avoid disturbing hibernating hedgehogs and to resist over-tidying borders, as winter habitats are essential for wildlife survival.
To help make supporting wildlife easier, Squire’s is offering *15% off all wildlife food, shelters and accessories – available in-store and online** until 21 February 2026.
Dan Reep comments: “Cold weather is when garden wildlife needs us most. Simple actions like feeding birds, providing fresh water and leaving natural cover can make a real difference, especially during prolonged cold spells.
“Birds use extra energy in winter just to stay warm, with a robin potentially losing 10% of its body weight overnight in cold weather, so any support gardeners can offer will absolutely make a real difference.”
Dan suggests some practical actions which can be easily undertaken to help wildlife, adding: “Suet balls provide a perfect quick, long-lasting energy boost and fresh water is just as important as food when natural sources freeze.”
Squire’s is also encouraging customers to take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, which invites people to spend just one hour counting birds in their garden or local green space, helping to build a national picture of how species are faring across the UK.
In addition, throughout January and February, Squire’s will be sharing practical wildlife tips on its social media channels and running a Family Wildlife Bingo, giving families the chance to get involved and learn more about the wildlife visiting their gardens.
