Autumn Wildlife
Whilst most of us might be dreading the thought of the seasons changing, autumn can offer up some exciting wildlife spectacles and activity for us to observe and learn about.
As the days start to get shorter, wildlife in our woods and gardens gets busy. Autumn is a time of bustling activity; preparation of food reserves and nestling for winter, and, for some, for hibernation. Many a nature lover’s favourite, the dormouse, generally hibernates from October to April, in a hidden nest on the ground. Whilst this tiny creature gains weight from 25 to 40 grams in preparation for its long period of inactivity, this is an extremely
vulnerable time and not all survive it. Dormouse © DWT For bird watchers, autumn is a wondrous time. Due
to its temperate climate, Britain is an internationally important destination for many migrant birds. As summer favourites such as swallows, nightingales and house martins depart, fi eldfares, geese and waders, along with many others, arrive in their huge fl ocks on our shores, creating fantastic aerial spectacles. Brownsea Island at Poole Harbour is ideal for bird watching, and has an added bonus of a population of
red squirrels that can be spotted busily scurrying around the island,
storing away their winter nuts and seeds.
Looking after your
garden with wildlife in mind at this time of year
Red Squirrel © Stewart Canham
is crucial, and the good news is that too much tidying up is not a good thing! Hedgehogs, toads and minibeasts all need safe winter quarters; a pile of wood, leaves and sticks in a secluded corner of your garden equals a fi ve star hotel for many wintering species. Be mindful to check November bonfi res before lighting though. Finally, fl ora will be in bloom as well – join our wild friends and enjoy the many fruits of hedgerow harvest from blackberries to crab apples.
Dorset Wildlife Trust’s busiest time of year for practical conservation work starts in the Autumn and Winter. If you’re interested in getting involved with volunteering, phone Susanna on 01202 692033 to fi nd out what’s happening near you in Dorset.
Niina Silvennoinen Dorset Wildlife Trust
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