Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography
Wildlife gardening in February
In February it feels like spring is just around the corner and many plant and animal species are starting to stir from their winter slumber. Green shoots are poking through the bare soil, snowdrops may already be in bloom and frogspawn beings to appear in garden ponds.
Wildlife Gardening activities
© Vinehouse Farm
Feed garden birds
It's not unusual to still have extremely cold weather in February, so providing high-energy feed for birds is still of great benefit. Don't forget to clean your feeders regularly to help prevent the spread of disease.
© Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
Plant a tree
Early to mid February is still a good time of year to plant a tree, as the roots are dormant and they are less easily disturbed by the moving process. Pick a native wildlife-friendly species which will provide food and shelter.
© Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
Put up a nest box
Nesting season is just around the corner, but there is still time to put up a bord box. Make a note of the species which visit your garden and put up a suitable nest box for their particular needs.
If you already have a nest box, don't forget to clean it out before the new breeding season begins, but be careful to check it isn't already in use.
Tom Marshall
Seeds & plants
With the growing season just beginning, it's a good time to prepare a patch of ground for wildflower seeds. Some species need freezing temperatures to help their seeds germinate (know as cold stratification), so if you didn't scatter wildflower seeds in autumn it's not too late to do it now.
Most garden centres will also start offering early spring flowers for sale such as snowdrops, Bluebells and Snakes-head fritillary, although these are cheaper purchased as bulbs in the autumn.
More ways to help wildlife in February
Join us
Join us on our mission to restore local nature and help protect wildlife across Surrey