Frozen balls - it's a seedy business this 'ere wildlife gardening lark!

This is a good time of year to order wild flower and grass seed. It will be one less thing to worry about in spring when our time is more precious in the garden. Please remember how important it is not to alter wild areas by sowing or collecting seeds!

Ponds are increasingly likely to freeze over at this time of year. This causes two problems. One, animals are unable to drink and wash, and two, noxious gases from decomposition are locked in and essential gases locked out.

The solution is to float a piece of wood or a ball on the surface and remove it after freezing to leave some open water. Pour hot water over it if necessary. Avoid brightly-coloured or reflective materials as these might frighten wildlife. However, a ball isn't a good idea if you have pets or small children who might reach for it.

The serious side to armchair birding

The annual nationwide RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place this weekend. Everyone is encouraged to spend just 1 hour counting birds in the garden (or area of park, etc). 235,000 people took part last year.

All you have to do is count the maximum number of a particular kind of bird in your garden at any one time. Counting the maximum number prevents the same birds being counted repeatedly.

This relaxing and enjoyable armchair survey helps the RSPB map the various species of garden bird. Year by year comparisons of the number of recorded species provides us with general trends. Previous results have provided important information, such as a dramatic decline in the numbers of the once common tree sparrow and starling.

For further details, including instructions and photos to help with identification of various species, last year's results, or to submit your results, go to: www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/

3 styles of wildlife gardening to enjoy...

There are three main styles of wildlife gardening. 'Gardening by animal' is the most common. Here, the gardener likes to see or help a particular wild animal so they adjust their garden to make it welcoming. Animals all require food and water, and places to breed and shelter. So, to attract garden birds you would put out bird food and water and install a nest box.

'Gardening by plant' is the second option. This is all about choosing wildflowers that will grow in your soil type and aspect. This provides an extra home for wild flowers that are under pressure in the wild as well as providing food and shelter for wild animals.

The third option, 'Gardening by habitat', involves recreating mini versions of wild habitats, such as a pond, meadow, woodland edge or hedgerow. The habitat will benefit many animals and plants. A garden pond will attract frogs, toads, newts, dragonflies and pond skates, as well as providing a home to marsh marigolds, yellow flag and water buttercup.

Strange noises in the garden!

Barks, yells, unearthly whines and shrieks - strange goings on down the bottom of the garden. But what are they? Chances are they come from foxes.

The fox mating season usually begins in January or February. The timing is such that the cubs will be born as early as possible in spring when the milder weather arrives. This gives them plenty of time to mature before the colder weather sets in again. Timing of the mating is crucial in another sense too. It must occur during just 3 days when the vixen (female) is capable of conceiving.

Foxes mate back-to-back, a position achieved by the dog (male) lifting a hind leg over the vixen's back. They may stay in this rather uncomfortable-sounding position for an hour! Although foxes are often thought to be monogamous, latest research shows they are more promiscuous in areas where there is a high density of foxes.