Hi, this is Jo from the Wild Bunch. January is a particularly harsh month for birds. Prolonged cold snaps, heavy rain and sudden frosts make it much harder for all wildlife to find enough food and shelter. For garden birds especially, winter can be a real test of survival. While around 50 UK bird species migrate to warmer parts of the world, many remain here all year and rely heavily on fat reserves built up during autumn and winter to make it through.
This is where our gardens can make a real difference. Keeping feeders topped up with a variety of foods such as sunflower hearts, peanuts and fat-based products helps birds maintain their energy levels. Fresh water is just as important, especially during freezing conditions when natural sources may be unavailable. A shallow bird bath or dish, topped up daily and defrosted when needed, can be a lifeline.
Good hygiene is just as important as providing food. When lots of birds gather in one place, disease can spread quickly. The RSPB recommends cleaning feeders, bird tables and baths regularly. Wearing gloves, empty and dispose of old or damp food in the bin (not compost), then wash feeders thoroughly with hot soapy water. Scrub all surfaces, rinse well, allow to dry, and disinfect using a wildlife-safe product such as Milton baby bottle sterilising solution before rinsing and drying again outdoors. This simple routine helps keep visiting birds healthy.
At this time of year, it’s also important to resist the urge to over-tidy our gardens. Leaving seed heads, leaf piles, logs and undisturbed corners provides shelter and food for many other species. Hedgehogs, amphibians and countless insects may still be hibernating or sheltering in garden debris and disturbing them now can be harmful. A messy garden in winter is a wildlife-friendly one. Together, small actions in our gardens can make a big difference for wildlife during the toughest months of the year.
Late January also brings the Big Garden Birdwatch, taking place this year from 23 to 25 January 2026. Spending just one hour counting the birds in your garden or local green space helps build a vital national picture of how our bird populations are faring and supports conservation work across the UK. For more details on how to take part visit the RSPB website.
The Wild Bunch is a small, friendly team and we’re always keen to welcome new volunteers, whether you enjoy helping at events, sharing skills, or contributing to this column. If you’d like to get involved, please contact fromewildbunch@gmail.com.
We at Frome Wild Bunch have been making our New Year resolutions. We have planned a new format for our gatherings in 2026. We are shifting from monthly to quarterly daytime get togethers, with each focusing on a seasonal topic. The first, on 22 January in Frome Town Hall, will be ‘Birds, bees, hogs & frogs’. This is a chance to learn and share ideas about preparing for spring in a way that supports and encourages wildlife in all of Frome’s green spaces – book a free ticket at https://bit.ly/birds-bees-hogs-and-frogs.
In addition to these gatherings, we are planning two evening events over the coming year – so watch this space.
