If you have a garden pond, putting down a plank of wood could help save wildlife in your outdoor space. If you’re the owner of a pond, making sure it is clean and easily accessible for emerging amphibians will help them to exit and enter the water. Adding something like a plank of wood to act as a ramp can also be beneficial for wildlife such as hedgehogs, should they find themselves trapped in your pond this week.

With spring in full swing, hedgehogs, bats, butterflies and a number of bird species are beginning to emerge from hibernation. Ecology experts at Arbtech are helping Brits to understand ways they can help wildlife emerging from hibernation to safely adjust to the active season.

They have shared tips such as providing suitable food and water, minimising hazards, and contacting local wildlife rescue groups for animals injured or in distress.

As the days start to get warmer and longer, wildlife that have spent the winter months in hibernation will soon be starting to emerge.

But after spending months conserving energy with little to no food, wildlife can often emerge from hibernation weak and vulnerable.

There are ways to help vulnerable wildlife to adjust safely such as leaving out suitable food and water, minimising any potential hazards and contacting local wildlife rescue groups.

Andrew Ward from Arbtech said: “Emerging from hibernation can be a stressful time for animals and a time where they are at their weakest.

“But there are ways that you can help wildlife to emerge into a safe, hazard-free environment.

“A small act of kindness, like leaving out fresh water or ensuring a safe garden, can make all the difference to a struggling hedgehog or bird.

“There may be occasions where you find animals injured or in distress, but fortunately there are many local wildlife rescue groups around the UK that you should contact for help or advice.”

To help the animals, you can create a safe habitat for them. Piles of leaves and log piles provide the perfect shelter for hibernating hedgehogs and other mammals. 

If you have any around your garden it is best to leave these areas undisturbed until you are sure there are no animals hibernating. 

You should also avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your garden as these can harm emerging wildlife by contaminating insects, worms, and other small creatures that these animals rely on after waking up. 

Direct exposure during hibernation can also cause damage to skin, lungs and nervous systems in animals. 

If you need to control pests you should look to use natural pest control methods instead.