Autumn marks the start of an important period for wildlife in the UK, as temperatures drop and daylight hours decrease, animals across the UK are preparing for the cold winter months ahead.
Young foxes leave their family groups in search of their own territory, badgers are actively building up their winter fat reserves, and some hedgehogs have already begun hibernating!
So, what are our amphibians up to? At this time of year frogs, toads, and newts are seeking shelter away from their breeding ponds, they might even make their way into your garden if the habitat is suitable, brash piles, leaf piles, rock piles, and old tree roots are all attractive options for dispersing amphibians. A small number of amphibians will choose to remain in ponds over winter, burying themselves in the mud and silt. If you’d like to help build a winter hideaway for amphibians in your garden, check out this video on how to build a hibernaculum: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAo_4bEmYeE