Winter is almost upon us, and all around we can see nature preparing for the season. The autumn leaves are falling, hedgehogs are preparing for hibernation, and birds are on the hunt for high fat food to help them survive the cold winter nights.

Winter is a very important time of year for wild bird feeding – food can be very scarce this time of year, so when selecting your bird feed, it’s best to go with a high-fat, nutrient dense feed option like fat balls.

Winter is well on its way, and as autumn draws to a close, we’re seeing a lot of seasonal plants die down for the winter. One exception is holly - or to call it by its Latin name, Ilex aquifolium.

This iconic evergreen is commonly used to decorate homes throughout the winter season, the vibrant green leaves and the rich red berries bring a splash of colour to this bleak time of year.

If there’s one thing that most dogs have in common, it’s a healthy appetite. Even after a perfectly sizeable meal, they’re still eyeing up whatever you’ve got in your hands, and it sure looks really yummy.

If given the opportunity, some dogs will gobble up anything they can get their paws on, from your breakfast right off your plate to bird seed that has fallen from your bird feeder.

If you’ve found your way to this blog, your own pooch has probably helped themselves to some bird feed, and you’re looking for information as to whether or not you should be worried. So, is bird seed bad for dogs?

When you put out bird feed, you never know what kind of birds you’ll attract. While you can select certain feeds that are more popular with certain birds, you can never predict exactly what birds will come to visit your garden.

While having any feathered friend come to visit is a delight, putting out food for birds can also entice some more unwelcome visitors. Bird feeders can be an attractive sight for garden rats, and they can be inclined to help themselves to the feed.

Bird feeding is an excellent, worth-while and rewarding activity. Birds in areas with bird feeders are generally in overall better health than those who have no access to supplementary nutrition, especially during periods of inclement weather. By giving them the nutrients they require at the time they need them, we can make a world of difference for the futures of our winged friends.

You don't need a large garden to make birds feel at home!

It's estimated that there will be more than 28.3 million households in the UK by the end of 2022. Because space is limited, new build estates are smaller than they used to be, and the size of the average British garden is trending downwards too.

Bees are an important part of our ecosystem – in fact, they’re a part of almost every ecosystem across the world. They are responsible for the pollination of most fruit and veg, making them an essential part of our survival. This is why it is vital that we all do our part to help save the bees.

Here are some fun facts about bees to show how important they really are...

Wildflower seeds should be planted in the Spring, but there are other opportunities to plant wildflowers throughout the year.

Wildflowers are a great addition to any garden for a wide number of reasons. Their beautiful bright colours bring a radiant splash to any outdoor space, and their varying shapes are totally unique. Wildflowers bring the promise of something new every year with each bloom.

Not only are wildflowers beautiful, but they also do a great amount to support your local ecosystem. Bees and butterflies love them, and bees are great pollinators so their presence will help your garden flourish and support local biodiversity. Although planting a few wildflower seeds in your garden might not seem like much, every little helps.