Wildlife experts have issued a warning to anyone with squirrels in their garden this February. While some may view these fluffy grey (or occasionally red) creatures as nuisances that dig holes or trample cherished plants, the reality is that squirrels are a valuable part of a garden's ecosystem. Now, gardeners are being urged to lend them a helping hand during the harsh, icy winter months. Squirrels are often spotted leaping from tree to tree, scampering along fence tops, or darting across garden pergolas and shed roofs. Unlike certain animals such as frogs and hedgehogs, squirrels don't fully hibernate over winter.
Instead, they enter a lighter sleep and consequently require plenty of energy-rich food to endure the year's coldest months. Indeed, both grey and red squirrels play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Even though gardeners frequently attempt to shield bird food from squirrels, it's absolutely vital to ensure these critters have enough sustenance to survive the winter too, reports the Express. Gardeners are being advised that walnut trees or common hazel are the best plants to encourage squirrel populations. Wildlife website Plantura states: "Squirrels are wonderful garden mates, especially in autumn. Squirrels are easy to observe as they flit from tree to tree in search of food.
"The reason for their elaborate search for food is the approaching winter. Since squirrels do not hibernate but enter a lighter stage of sleep known as torpor, they must stock up on energy-rich food to survive the colder months.". The reason for their elaborate search for food is the approaching winter. Since squirrels do not hibernate but enter a lighter stage of sleep known as torpor, they must stock up on energy-rich food to survive the colder months.
"A walnut tree (Juglans regia) or a common hazel (Corylus avellana) in the garden helps these little creatures fill up their food reserves". Both of these are beloved by squirrels, but if you can't find those or have nowhere to plant them, another option is a squirrel feeder. These are a bit like bird feeders, except you stock them with nuts and seeds and encourage squirrels to go for them instead of or as well as birds.
