The Wild Winter Box - a wildlife gift to help nature this winter

The Wild Winter Box - a wildlife gift to help nature this winter

The Wild Winter Box — a wildlife gift to help nature this winter

People often think winter is a time when gardens go to sleep — a cold, bleak pause between autumn’s seed-drop and spring’s new life.

In reality, winter is when wildlife needs our help the most, and buying a wildlife gift or a wildlife gift box for someone could really help the UK's wildlife!

Birds and their struggles

Many UK birds struggle in winter, especially smaller species. When freezing temperatures persist day and night, birds are at real risk of starvation because natural food sources become scarce.

A phenomenon called “short-stopping” is also affecting winter bird numbers — milder winters in northern Europe mean fewer birds migrate to the UK, reducing our winter visitors.

Winter food scarcity is a major challenge. When insects, seeds and fruits are limited, birds cannot build enough energy to survive long cold spells.

This makes winter the perfect time to consider bird seed gift boxes and wildlife garden gifts to help support local species.

Feeding birds in winter

You can help birds by offering foods rich in fat and energy, such as:

  • Niger seed

  • Sunflower seeds & sunflower hearts

  • Hemp seed

  • Sesame & pumpkin seeds

  • Suet and fat balls

If you are buying a bird seed gift box, look for options tailored specifically for winter, when birds need as much energy as possible.

Providing water in winter

Water can be harder to find than food during big freezes.

Try placing a small dish of water outside, ideally with:

  • a floating cork, or

  • a small piece of wood/rubber

This helps stop the water from freezing and could genuinely save local birds’ lives.

Sowing wildflower seeds in winter

It’s a common misconception that wildflower seeds should only be sown in spring or autumn. While these seasons are ideal, winter sowing can be beneficial too, especially for perennial species.

In nature, seeds naturally fall during autumn. They:

  • germinate immediately or

  • lie dormant until spring

Winter sowing can mimic this natural process.
However:

  • Choose well-drained soil

  • Avoid sowing during long wet periods or when the ground is waterlogged

  • Extreme cold is usually fine — prolonged cold + wet is the bigger risk

Some seeds actually benefit from the cold

Several native UK wildflowers benefit from winter’s cold stratification, where exposure to frost improves germination. Examples include:

  • Meadow cranesbill

  • Red campion

  • Primrose

  • Cowslip

This makes winter a good time to use wildflower gift boxes or seedballs if conditions are suitable.

Keep your garden alive this winter with The Wild Winter Box

At The Wild Garden Box, we believe every season matters. Our Wild Winter Box contains:

  • High-fat seasonal bird seed

  • Fat balls

  • Wildflower seedballs packed in durable bentonite clay

  • A handcrafted coconut bird feeder

  • A woven roosting pouch to give small birds shelter on cold nights

It’s a wildlife gift that keeps giving — feeding the now while helping to grow the future.

Head to the shop to get yours now, and give nature a helping hand this winter!

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