March is a pivotal time in the European garden, not just for plants but also for the wildlife that inhabits these spaces. As winter recedes and spring begins to take hold, many garden creatures emerge from hibernation or return from migration, making it a crucial month for wildlife support. This guide will explore how to care for and support the various species that rely on your garden during this transitional period. By understanding their needs and making small adjustments to your gardening practices, you can create a thriving habitat for birds, mammals, insects, and amphibians.
The Importance of Supporting Wildlife in March
March marks a time of awakening and renewal in the natural world. For garden wildlife, it is a month of both opportunity and challenge. As temperatures rise and daylight increases, many species begin their breeding cycles, while others resume foraging after a long winter. However, the weather can still be unpredictable, with late frosts and sudden cold snaps posing significant risks. Ensuring your garden provides adequate food, shelter, and nesting sites is essential for helping wildlife thrive during this critical month.
Why March is a Critical Month for Garden Wildlife
March is a transitional month, where the delicate balance of survival hinges on the availability of resources:
- Emergence from Hibernation: Many mammals, such as hedgehogs and bats, start to emerge from hibernation in March. These animals need immediate access to food to replenish their energy reserves.
- Nesting and Breeding: Birds begin building nests and laying eggs during March. They require safe nesting sites and a steady supply of food to support their young.
- Return of Migratory Species: Some bird species return from migration in March, seeking out suitable habitats to rest, feed, and breed.
- Insect Activity Increases: As temperatures rise, insects such as bees, butterflies, and ladybirds become more active. They play crucial roles in pollination and pest control.
Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Garden in March
Supporting wildlife in March involves creating a garden environment that meets the needs of various species. This includes providing food, water, shelter, and nesting opportunities, as well as practicing wildlife-friendly gardening techniques.
1. Providing Food and Water
As natural food sources are still limited in March, supplemental feeding can make a significant difference in helping wildlife survive and thrive.
A. Bird Feeding
Birds are some of the most visible garden visitors in March, and feeding them can support their energy needs during this busy time of nest building and breeding.
- Types of Food: Offer a variety of foods to cater to different bird species. Black sunflower seeds, suet cakes, peanuts, and mealworms are excellent choices. Fat balls are particularly valuable as they provide high energy content.
- Feeder Placement: Position feeders in safe, accessible locations, preferably near cover such as hedges or trees. This provides protection from predators and shelter from harsh weather.
- Water Supply: Birds also need access to fresh water for drinking and bathing. Ensure that bird baths are kept clean and filled, and consider adding a shallow dish of water with pebbles for smaller birds.
B. Feeding Mammals
Mammals such as hedgehogs, squirrels, and even foxes may visit your garden in search of food, particularly if their natural food sources are scarce.
- Hedgehog Feeding: Hedgehogs emerging from hibernation will benefit from a supplementary diet of cat food, dog food, or specialist hedgehog food. Avoid giving them milk and bread, which can cause digestive issues.
- Squirrel Feeding: Provide squirrels with unsalted peanuts, sunflower seeds, and fresh fruits like apples. Consider using a squirrel feeder to ensure they have access to food while minimizing competition with birds.
- Fox Feeding: Foxes can be offered small amounts of meat scraps, such as chicken or turkey, ensuring the food is free from seasoning and bones. Place food in a secluded area of your garden to reduce human interaction.
C. Insect Support
Insects are vital for pollination and form a crucial part of the food chain. Encouraging their presence in your garden supports the entire ecosystem.
- Early-Flowering Plants: Plant early-blooming flowers like crocuses, snowdrops, and hellebores to provide nectar for pollinators. These flowers are essential for bees and butterflies emerging from hibernation.
- Insect Feeders: Consider placing an insect feeder in your garden, filled with sugar water or a homemade nectar solution. This can be especially beneficial for early pollinators like bees.
2. Providing Shelter and Nesting Sites
Shelter is as important as food for garden wildlife, particularly during the still-cool nights of March. Providing safe nesting sites and shelters can help support breeding and protect wildlife from the elements.
A. Bird Nesting Boxes
Birds begin looking for nesting sites in March, so it’s the perfect time to install or clean out nest boxes.
- Types of Nest Boxes: Different bird species require different types of nest boxes. Blue tits and great tits prefer small boxes with a 25mm entrance hole, while robins and wrens prefer open-fronted boxes.
- Placement: Place nest boxes in sheltered locations, away from direct sunlight and prevailing winds. Ensure they are positioned at least 2-4 meters above the ground to protect from predators.
- Maintenance: Clean out old nesting material from last year and disinfect the box to reduce the risk of parasites. If installing a new box, do so early in March to give birds time to find and occupy it.
B. Hedgehog Homes
Hedgehogs emerging from hibernation in March need safe places to rest and find food.
- Hedgehog House: A purpose-built hedgehog house can provide a secure shelter. Place it in a quiet, shaded part of your garden, away from heavy foot traffic.
- Leaf Piles and Log Piles: Simple leaf piles or log piles can also provide excellent shelter for hedgehogs and other small mammals. These natural habitats offer protection from predators and harsh weather.
C. Insect Hotels and Bee Houses
Insect hotels and bee houses provide shelter for beneficial insects, including solitary bees, ladybirds, and lacewings.
- Insect Hotel Construction: Create an insect hotel using materials such as hollow stems, wood, bark, and straw. Place it in a sunny, sheltered spot to attract a variety of insects.
- Bee Houses: Install bee houses for solitary bees, positioning them in a south-facing location to maximize warmth. Ensure the house is securely attached to prevent movement in the wind.
D. Pond Maintenance
If you have a garden pond, it’s essential to ensure it is ready for the wildlife that will soon start to use it as the weather warms.
- Clearing Debris: Remove any accumulated leaves or debris from the pond to keep the water clean and oxygenated. This will create a healthy environment for frogs, newts, and other aquatic creatures.
- Providing Access: Ensure there are easy entry and exit points for wildlife, such as gently sloping edges or submerged rocks. This allows animals like frogs and hedgehogs to safely access the water.
3. Practicing Wildlife-Friendly Gardening
Your gardening practices in March can have a significant impact on the wildlife in your garden. By adopting wildlife-friendly techniques, you can create a more supportive environment for the creatures that share your space.
A. Minimizing Disturbance
Wildlife needs undisturbed areas to rest, feed, or nest. Try to minimize disturbance in these areas, especially during March when many species are just beginning their breeding cycles.
- Leave Leaf Litter: Leaf litter provides habitat for insects, small mammals, and amphibians. Leave it undisturbed in garden beds and under hedges to offer shelter and foraging opportunities.
- Delay Major Pruning: Avoid heavy pruning of shrubs and hedges during March, as these may already be occupied by nesting birds. If pruning is necessary, do so with caution and check for nests beforehand.
B. Avoiding Pesticides
Pesticides can be harmful to a wide range of wildlife, including beneficial insects, birds, and mammals. Opt for natural pest control methods to keep your garden safe for all creatures.
- Companion Planting: Use companion planting to naturally deter pests. For example, planting marigolds near vegetables can help repel aphids, while lavender can deter moths.
- Encouraging Predators: Attract natural predators like ladybirds, frogs, and birds to your garden by providing suitable habitats. These creatures will help keep pest populations in check.
C. Mulching and Soil Care
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden and supports a wide range of microorganisms and insects that are vital to the ecosystem.
- Organic Mulch: Apply organic mulch, such as compost, leaf mold, or bark chips, to your garden beds. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility, benefiting both plants and soil-dwelling creatures.
- No-Dig Gardening: Consider adopting a no-dig gardening approach, which minimizes soil disturbance and helps maintain healthy soil structure. This technique supports earthworms and other beneficial organisms, enhancing soil health and plant growth.
4. Observing and Recording Wildlife
March is a fantastic time to observe the wildlife in your garden, as many species become more active with the arrival of spring. Keeping a record of the creatures you see can help you understand the biodiversity in your garden and track changes over time.
A. Bird Watching
Birds are particularly active in March as they establish territories and begin nesting. Take time to observe the different species that visit your garden and their behaviors.
- Identifying Species: Use a bird identification guide or app to help identify the different species in your garden. Pay attention to their markings, calls, and behaviors.
- Recording Sightings: Keep a journal or use an app to record the birds you see each day. Note the date, time, and weather conditions, as well as any interesting behaviors such as courtship displays or nest building.
B. Mammal Monitoring
Mammals such as hedgehogs, squirrels, and foxes may be more difficult to spot, but there are ways to monitor their presence.
- Footprint Tunnels: Set up a footprint tunnel with an ink pad and paper to capture the footprints of nocturnal mammals like hedgehogs and foxes.
- Trail Cameras: Install a trail camera in a quiet part of your garden to capture images or videos of mammals as they move through your space at night.
C. Insect Observation
As the weather warms, insects become more active in the garden. Observing their behavior can provide valuable insights into the health of your garden ecosystem.
- Pollinator Watch: Look for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators visiting early-flowering plants. Note which plants are most popular and how long the insects stay.
- Insect Hotel Check: Check your insect hotel or bee houses for signs of occupation. Look for sealed tubes, which indicate that solitary bees have laid eggs inside.
Conclusion
March is a critical month for garden wildlife, offering both challenges and opportunities as creatures emerge from winter and prepare for the breeding season. By providing food, shelter, and nesting sites, and by practicing wildlife-friendly gardening, you can create a supportive environment that helps your garden’s inhabitants thrive. Whether you’re feeding birds, building hedgehog houses, or simply observing the wildlife around you, the efforts you make in March will have a lasting impact on the biodiversity and vitality of your garden. Embrace this transitional month as a time to connect with nature and make a positive difference in the lives of the creatures that share your outdoor space.
