December is usually the official start of winter in the UK, according to the Met Office. While it isn’t the coldest, bleakest month – January is usually a fraction chillier – it's certainly the month where we notice the temperature plummeting.  

Our native wildlife is well-adapted to surviving in cold conditions, but human influence on the habitats can make it a little harder for some creatures. If you have access to outside space – a garden, a community green space, an allotment, or a school or business space – then you can help by creating shelter. While not everything hibernates, many creatures would welcome a sheltered spot to keep them away from predators and the worst of the weather. A simple pile of logs is a great start.  

Continue to provide water for wildlife, but do keep an eye on it and break the ice if you need to. Find out more about helping wildlife in cold weather on our webpage here. 

It might feel as if nothing is growing at this time of year. But you can bring the outside in – why not try some herbs on a windowsill or balcony? Some wildlife-friendly herbs are listed here. You can extend the life of supermarket herbs by carefully dividing them up and repotting them into separate containers. Remember to look for herbs grown in peat-free compost, and if you’re not sure, then check out our Peat Inspectors campaign and ask your local supermarket to do better. The easiest way to ensure your plants are peat-free, of course, is to grow your own from seed – find more help and advice from Garden Organic here. 

December is a time of gift-giving, Christmas, Yule, Hannukah and celebrations with family. It can be tempting to succumb to a plastic-filled feast of excess, but you can have a more eco-friendly Christmas quite easily (and it might be kinder to your wallet, too). We have some hints and tips here, giving you things to consider when buying gifts, wrapping presents, buying or making food, and decorating your living space. 

Christmas crafts are very popular and you can have fun by creating a bird-friendly wreath. Check out our guidance here – though it might be better hung on a tree than your front door!