Wildline Questions for previous months

WildLine Questions of the Month

How do I make a nest box for birds in my garden? There are full instructions of how to construct and position a bird box in our ‘Feeding garden birds’ factsheet above. Adding a bird box to your garden is an excellent and simple way to attract birds to your garden, but why stop there? There are lots of ways that you can make your garden more wildlife friendly including; starting a compost heap, putting up an insect box, creating a log pile, planting a wildflower area or building a garden pond. See our factsheet Wildlife in you Garden? How to help for further information.
How can I encourage frogs into my garden pond? Garden ponds provide an excellent habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals, and are an excellent way of encouraging wildlife into your garden. At this time of year frogs begin spawning in ponds, the tadpoles then develop throughout the summer and emerge as froglets in wet weather in August or September. Amphibians will naturally come to your pond if the pond and surrounding habitat is suitable. In general, frogs like ponds with gently sloping banks and shallower areas with vegetation growing around the sides and unmown areas of grass for when the froglets emerge. Adding frog spawn from another pond can lead to the spread of disease and introduction of invasive plants, and so it is best to create suitable 'frog habitat' and sit back and wait for the frogs to arrive themselves. If you would like further information on how to manage your garden for amphibians, please contact WildLine.
What should I do if I see a baby bird on the ground? The short answer to this question is unless it is in immediate danger leave it where it is. At this time of year, birds are beginning to leave the nest (fledge) and fledglings can often be seen on the ground, seemingly alone. This is not often the case, and the parents will usually be close by searching for food and keeping a close eye on their chick. Birds leaving the nest are fully feathered, but after fledging will remain on the ground for up to 3 days whilst the feathers become fully developed and the bird can attempt to fly. If the bird is in a busy road or footpath, or is in danger of being attacked by predators, the bird can be moved a minimal distance, but must still be in hearing range of the parents who will be nearby.
How can I encourage butterflies in to my garden? Hampshire is host to 46 species of butterfly, many of which will be garden visitors during this time of year, and especially on hot sunny days. Fragmentation of natural habitats across Hampshire has led to a decline in many species, and so creating a butterfly friendly garden is all the more important. Butterflies visit gardens in search of flower nectar which is an instant energy boost, and also to shelter and rest. They are important pollinators, and their presence is an indicator for a healthy environment. An easy way to encourage butterflies into your garden is to introduce plants that are attractive to butterflies; this could include lavender, Michealmas daisy, buddleia, marjoram and field scabious. If your garden can accommodate it, a wild area will also entice butterflies, with plants such as mint, thistles, nettles, knapweed and fleabane. Further information can be found in our ‘Gardening for Wildlife’ factsheets – please contact WildLine for details.
What is this beetle in my garden? This is a European stag beetle which can be found in southern and central Europe, along with the south and southeastern areas of Britain. Stag beetles typically live in woodland areas, particularly in tree stumps and logs. Garden sightings of the beetles are becoming increasingly common due to the loss of natural woodland habitat. Adult stag beetles only live between the months of May and August, and they are Britain’s largest insect. They can be identified by the dark, violet/brown colour, and their large mouthparts. The Peoples Trust for Endangered Species are running a project entitled ‘Great Stag Hunt 2007’ in order to help establish the presence of stag beetles in the UK. The survey was first launched in 1998, and PTES received records from thousands of volunteers across the country. Last year an astounding 2412 stag beetle records were sent into them. If you would like to get involved in this survey visit www.greatstaghunt.org where you can submit your records and find out more about the project. To find out more about stag beetles, or how to record wildlife and submit your records, contact WildLine, the Trust’s free wildlife advice service. Visit our wildline webpage, email us, or call 01489 774446.
I have found a hedgehog in my garden, should it be hibernating? Hedgehogs are regularly seen in urban gardens and will often hibernate in gardens if there is a suitable habitat available. The hedgehog hibernation period is (in general) from November to March but is dependant on weather conditions and food availability. If you put food out in your garden for hedgehogs they will often take advantage of the extra food for as long as possible before resorting to hibernation. During hibernation a hedgehog’s heart rate will drop from 190 to 20 beats per minutes and their internal temperature will drop from the usual 37^OC to just above freezing. Hedgehogs will often stop visiting a garden in winter if there are no suitable areas for hibernation. Piles of logs and leaves in a dry area protected from the wind can provide an excellent hibernation habitat for hedgehogs. If you would like to encourage your hedgehogs to stay for the winter, why not create an area like this in your garden. If you find a sick or injured hedgehog please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234999 or call your local vet or animal welfare organisation. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Widlife Trust does not take in sick or injured wildlife. To find out more about hedgehogs or how to record wildlife and submit your records, contact WildLine, the Trust’s free wildlife advice service. Visit our wildline webpage, email us, or call 01489 774446.