Wildlife gardening jobs for November

Leave seedheads

Leave the seedheads of herbaceous plants, such as fennel, Verbena bonariensis, teasel and echinacea, for birds such as house sparrows and goldfinches. You can also leave alone plants with attractive seedheads, to provide winter interest.

Leave ivy alone

Don't cut mature ivy back, where possible, as the flowers provide a fantastic source of nectar and pollen for late-flying insects. Later in the season the berries will provide food for birds, while the leaves offer roosting and hibernation shelter for many species, including the brimstone butterfly. Here are more ways to make your garden bee-friendly in winter.

Plant crocus bulbs

Plant up a pot of nectar-rich crocuses now to feed hungry queen bumblebees in spring. Place the pot in a sunny spot and keep it watered. Read more about planting spring bulbs.

Create wildlife stacks

Use the prunings and clippings of shrubby material to create a dry wildlife stack, out of the way, such as behind a shed or at the back of a border. Any clippings can be used and the pile added to throughout autumn. For bigger logs, try creating a dead wood habitat.

Stock up bird feeders

Keep bird feeders stocked up with peanuts, oil-rich seeds and suet products to help keep birds fed throughout winter. You could also make your own fat cat cakes or try creating a suet and nut log feeder.