There are many things that mark success for our wildlife.  On a larger scale, the decision not to develop a solar station on Rampisham Down SSSI in west Dorset, and then the smaller but equally special success of a dormouse or hedgehog surviving the winter.

The cold weather is now upon us, and we’ve all wished we could hibernate for the winter.  For some species of wildlife, sleeping, or ‘hibernating’ can make all the difference to surviving the cold and icy winter months.  Food, which is in abundance during the spring, summer and autumn months disappears, so entering an extended deep sleep reduces some species’ normal body functions and allows them to wake up in the spring, when food is in plentiful supply once again.

Some species which take part in the big sleep include, hedgehogs, dormice, bumblebees, ladybirds and certain species of butterflies.  Hibernation involves dropping heart rate, metabolic rate and temperature, allowing the energy they have to be used up over a long period of time.

Hibernation is a process that isn’t without risks.  A long winter can have a detrimental effect when it’s time to wake up, and there’s still no food.  Sleeping wildlife are also unaware of changes in their surroundings which can leave them vulnerable to predation and disturbance.

You can give wildlife a helping hand this winter by making sure you have undisturbed spaces in your garden which are sheltered.  Log and leaf piles are great, or you could make a hibernaculum (a place wildlife can seek refuge).  If you find a hibernating animal it is best to leave it alone, as waking it up will waste their much-needed energy.

Visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk for inspiration on how you can get involved with wildlife locally.