Natural Connections – Help wildlife through a cold snap

Who else got a bit of a shock when Storm Doris rolled into town?

Like many others I was caught in the traffic as the snow and ice brought the road network to a standstill.  It was great to see the spirit of Cumbernauld in action though as people helped out stuck motorists with a push or a shovel.

Cold snaps like this can be a death sentence for wildlife.  A few days before Doris we were getting reports of bumblebee queens out looking for nesting sites. Bumblebees can often be fooled into coming out of hibernation early by a spell of warm weather, only to be hammered when it turns cold again. Leaving a bit of a mess in your garden, even if it is just a wee pile of twigs or leaves can provide a warm spot for insects to ride out the bad weather.

Many people love feeding the wild birds providing a vital source to our feathered friends. Other species can be grateful for a calorie boost too though.  If you see a bumblebee looking a bit sorry for itself you can try mixing equal parts warm water and white sugar together and offering it on a spoon – being careful not to get the bee wet.  This high-energy feast might just be enough to get her going and help her survive until the weather warms up again and early native flowers are available to provide pollen and nectar.

If you have any questions about how to help wildlife during a cold snap get in touch with us on our Facebook page or tweet us @WildCumbernauld