As winter descends with its cold bite and frosty mornings, many of us rush to keep ourselves cosy, wrapped in blankets with a hot drink in hand. However, the drop in temperatures isn’t just challenging for us humans; wildlife in our gardens and neighbourhoods are also faced with a much tougher time. Finding food, shelter, and—most critically—water can become near impossible for many species during the chilly months. But what if I told you that an everyday item, a tennis ball, could be the difference between life and death for local animals this winter?
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A surprising yet simple solution to save lives
Now, I know what you might be thinking: How could a tennis ball help animals in winter? The answer is simpler than you might expect. Placing a tennis ball in your garden, particularly in water sources like ponds or birdbaths, can help prevent these from freezing over. This small but effective intervention can provide essential hydration to birds and mammals who are desperately searching for water to drink and maintain their fur or feathers.
Take my neighbour, Clara, for example. She’s an avid gardener, and last year she noticed the usual flock of sparrows that frequented her birdbath seemed to be absent. Intrigued and wanting to help, she tried the tennis ball trick after reading about it online. Within a few days, she was delighted to see the sparrows return, happily flitting around the birdbath. Clara was amazed at how such a simple action brought so much life back to her winter garden.
Why hydration is critical during winter
While we may think animals can survive the cold simply by hibernating or growing thicker fur, hydration is just as crucial in winter as it is during the warmer months. For birds, water is vital not only for drinking but also for keeping their feathers clean and functional, which in turn helps them stay warm. Mammals such as squirrels, hedgehogs, and even foxes also rely on access to water for hydration during their foraging.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has pointed out that ensuring birds have access to water in winter can significantly improve their chances of survival. A simple opening in the ice can also aid aquatic creatures, ensuring that fish and insects can still access the oxygen they need below the surface.
Where to place tennis balls for maximum effect
To really make the most of this clever trick, placement is key. Here’s how you can strategically use tennis balls to keep your garden’s water sources accessible for local wildlife:
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In Birdbaths: Drop a tennis ball into the centre of the birdbath. This prevents the entire surface from freezing, leaving an open space where birds can drink or clean their feathers.
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In Ponds or Water Features: Let the ball float in your pond or water feature. As the ball moves with the wind, it creates slight ripples, preventing the surface from freezing completely.
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Rainwater Harvesters: If you collect rainwater, placing a tennis ball in the barrel or collector ensures that animals can still drink from it, even if the weather has been particularly cold.
Just make sure to check the balls regularly, and if needed, replace them to ensure they continue to serve their purpose.
Other ways to help wildlife through the winter
While tennis balls can certainly make a difference, there are several other ways to support the animals in your garden during the cold months:
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Create shelters: Piles of leaves, branches, or straw can provide warm hideaways for hedgehogs and insects, giving them a safe place to huddle during the chill.
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Leave parts of your garden wild: Let areas of your garden grow a bit untamed, creating natural hiding spots for birds and small mammals to nestle in.
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Offer food: Put up a bird feeder with seeds, suet, and nuts, and keep it topped up so wildlife has access to the energy they need to survive those cold nights.
The Wildlife Trust advises combining these actions to create a sanctuary that supports local wildlife, making your garden a thriving hub for nature through the winter.
Why it’s worth it
The benefits of protecting wildlife go beyond just the feel-good factor. By supporting birds, small mammals, and insects through the winter, we’re also helping maintain a healthy ecosystem. Birds control pest populations, while creatures like hedgehogs assist in seed dispersal and soil health, which contributes to a vibrant, balanced environment. By ensuring these creatures can access water, food, and shelter, we’re allowing them to continue playing their important roles.
Plus, there’s something deeply rewarding about seeing the results of your efforts. Watching birds return to a well-placed feeder or seeing a hedgehog dart into a shelter you’ve made can provide a sense of connection to nature that’s hard to match. It’s a reminder that even the smallest actions—like placing a tennis ball in your garden—can have a huge impact.
Conclusion
This winter, don’t overlook the humble tennis ball. It’s a simple tool that can make a world of difference for wildlife. By keeping water sources unfrozen, you’ll be providing a vital resource for birds, mammals, and insects alike. Combine this with other simple efforts, such as creating shelters or offering food, and you’ll turn your garden into a haven for wildlife, ensuring that these creatures survive the cold months and continue to play their essential roles in our environment. It’s a small gesture, but one that can save lives.
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Felix Marlowe manages Belles and Gals’ vibrant social media platforms. With expertise in social engagement and viral marketing, Felix creates content that sparks conversation and keeps followers coming back for more. From celebrity news to trending challenges, Felix makes sure our social media stays at the forefront of pop culture.
