Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is asking everyone to remember local wildlife this Christmas time. There are many ways that everyone can help wildlife to thrive through the winter, and at the same time add to our enjoyment of the natural world, whether it is feeding the birds and hedgehogs or getting out to help look after the environment.

By providing food for birds and mammals like hedgehogs, and ensuring that water is available, we can attract many birds and mammals to our gardens and help them to survive the harshest parts of the winter. Keeping parts of a pond free from ice – should we get a cold spell – also helps animals such as frogs. This is also a good time to place bird nest boxes in your garden so that the birds can discover them before the nesting season.

A good New Years resolution would be to minimise the use of chemicals in the garden and to plant shrubs which provide berries for the birds, and flowers which will provide nectar for insects such as bumble bees and butterflies. Good shrubs to plant include holly, so that you can have your own natural supply of Christmas holly and ensure plenty remains for wild birds to feed off.

Another wonderful way to help wildlife is to get directly involved in caring for nature reserves. The Trust manages over 50 reserves throughout the county and relies on the support of volunteers to care for these sites through carrying out the management work, which is essential to maintain their wildlife value. Information on these activities and lots more is available by sending a stamped addressed envelope to: Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry CV3 3GW or by visiting the Nature Centre, which is signposted from the A45 just to the east of the Toll Bar roundabout.

Those who do not have the time or energy to help with the practical work can support the Trust’s work through making a donation or becoming a member.