Fat balls for birds – stock up for winter
As the winter months approach, home owners all over the country are keen to ensure they have all the provisions they need for the cold season. There are so many things that need to be done and items that need to be bought from the stores and on the web, which is why a significant proportion of people draw up lists during the autumn in readiness.
The garden is one area which sees little human activity in the winter, of course, although it doesn’t become a complete no-go area. It’s important to remember our feathered friends, however, so stocking up on fat balls for birds, seed mixes and mealworms is always a good idea. It’s also advisable to ensure there is a ready supply of fresh, clean water as well.
Securing outside buildings is a must for the winter, and that includes sheds, workshops and greenhouses. The chances are the home owner will pay few if any visits to the garden from November to March, so it makes sense to ensure everything is locked up safe and secure until the warmer temperatures of spring start to appear again.
If there’s a utility room in the home, it would be the ideal place to store certain items which will be needed regularly through the winter. These include firewood, fat balls for birds, snow shovels and bags of salt. If no such room is available, a garage, whether it’s external or internal, could do the job just as well for the period.
For car drivers, the colder season can present a number of potential problems. Apart from the obvious issues such as icy roads and sudden snowfalls, the vehicle itself needs to be in tip-top condition. One of the most important areas for consideration is the inclusion of anti-freeze in the engine, because without it serious repercussions can ensue.
Shopping during the winter season can be awkward because of potential stock shortages during periods of bad weather, but if getting to the high street proves difficult it’s reassuring to know that garden centres are generally open even on Sundays. They stock a good supply of fat balls for birds, logs, warm jackets and accessories such as gloves, hats and socks.