Keep the wildlife in your garden well fed this autumn

At this time of year many birds, insects and mammals start preparing for the winter by feeding on berries, autumn-flowering plants and supplementary food.

If you follow our guide below you can make sure you’re putting out the correct food for any wildlife visiting your garden this autumn.

To help birds build up their energy reserves for long migrations or winter survival leave out high energy foods such as fat balls.

Putting out dry or tinned meat-based pet food as well as a bowl of water will help to encourage hedgehogs to your garden. To protect the food from cats and foxes, use a cover with a small entrance.

Birds and other small animals, including badgers, like plants that produce berries such as berberis, honeysuckle and pyracantha.

Autumn flowers such as ligularia and sedum will help butterflies and bees build up their winter reserves. Honeybees also rely on ivy during the autumn months. Up to 89% of pollen is collected from the evergreen’s flowers, so, wherever possible, allow mature ivy to flourish in your garden.