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Winter wildlifeMost garden wildlife hibernates over winter, as food is in short supply and freezing temperatures make life difficult. Learn how to help wild creatures through the cold winter months, below.In winter, wild animals and insects hunker

Lay new turf and re-sow bare patches of lawnPot up colchicums into decorative containers for bringing into the housePut up bug boxes to provide places for beneficial insects to hibernateCut attractive seed heads for indoor arrangementsSpread netting

by windCheck bulbs and tubers in storage for signs of rotRake up leaves to compost into leaf-mouldSow a green manure crop of field beans on bare soilBuild a log pile for beneficial insects and animals to use for hibernationSend off for new seed and bulb

in the shed over winterBuild log piles to provide winter hibernation sites for insects and small animalsCheck tree ties and loosen any that are too tightWrap insulation around outdoor taps and water pipesOrder bare-rooted hedging for winter planting

Make a bug boxEncourage helpful insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and bees into your garden by building them their own bug box. Giving them somewhere to shelter or hibernate, this simple to build home is perfect for gardeners who want to look

and hoverflies are still on the wing, foraging for food. Nectar provides insects with energy to fly and builds them up for winter hibernation. By growing just one source of nectar-rich food, you can improve these insects' chances of surviving the cold months

.Wooden wine crate1.2m length of 15cm x 2cm untreated timber25mm galvanised nails1m length of hosepipeJig saw, drill and hammer25mm drill bitall year roundA couple of hoursStart by making the tunnel for the hedgehog house. Cut the timber into four 30cm lengths

at the front. Top up with compost and water well.To make the two bee hotels, drill several deep, 5-8mm wide holes into a 15-20cm long log, and fill an offcut of drainpipe with lengths of bamboo. Place among the plants.AdamChoose an open, sunny, sheltered site

The culprit is the flea beetle, which, like its namesake, jumps away when disturbed. The small, shiny, black, brown or blue beetles emerge in April and May, after winter hibernation, ready to start feeding. Eggs laid near host plants hatch in late