For many of us at winter we tend to stock our cupboards and cosy up in front of a fire, but give a thought to the British wildlife which has to grin and bear the cold temperatures, fluctuating weather and shortage of food.

For customers living at the Persimmon Homes Warren Park development, which is on the doorstep of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Potteric Carr nature reserve, one of the county’s largest nature reserves, this is even more important.

Alastair Hart, sales director a Persimmon Homes South Yorkshire, explains: “Over the coming years Warren Park will bring over 900 new homes to Bessacarr and we are delighted that Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is responsible for the ancient woodland, green spaces and new wetlands habitats within the boundary of the development.

“This partnership supports the charity’s work at Potteric Carr and demonstrates how new-build communities can maintain and enhance living landscapes for both wildlife and its new residents.

“We are delighted that Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has shared the following gardening tips to help give wildlife a helping hand during the winter months.”

Birdfeeders

Squirrel-proof your feeders and keep them topped up and remember birdfeeders can be placed anywhere, even on to the side of your house.

Leave herbaceous borders

Insects can often find shelters in hollow-stemmed plants and ladybirds can cluster within dead plants in sheltered areas. Leave seed heads as they can be an excellent food source for insects.

Careful composting

Decaying plant and vegetable material provide a perfect place for frogs, toads, worms, mites and other insects, so take care if turning your compost.

Bird box tidy

Clean-out your bird boxes to get them ready for the season’s new residents.

Wildlife homes

Aside from bird boxes, consider bat boxes or hedgehogs homes. Buy or get creative and build your own wildlife hotel in a sheltered spot. A simple wild haven with log piles and leaf litter can provide shelter to a plethora of insects.

Feed the pollinators

Plant native flowering bulbs, such as snowdrops and daffodils and resist the urge to pull up all your dandelions – your pollinators will appreciate your efforts.

Pond life

Not only are ponds home for much aquatic life, they also provide a perfect drinking hole for many animals. Take care if cleaning your pond, as dragonfly larvae stay active all year round.