Small Ways to Help Wildlife This Autumn

As we move into autumn, many of us start thinking about preparing our homes and gardens for the colder months. It’s also a good time to think about the wildlife living alongside us.

You don’t need a large garden – or even a garden at all – to make a difference.

The national RSPCA is currently encouraging people to become Wildlife Friends, taking simple seasonal actions to help wildlife in their local area. The programme includes activities that can be carried out at home and in the community, as well as guidance about what to do if you come across sick or injured wildlife.

Helping wildlife closer to home

Small actions can collectively make our neighbourhoods more welcoming for wildlife.

This might mean creating or protecting suitable habitats, being mindful of wildlife when working outdoors, learning what to do when an animal appears to need help, and sharing reliable animal-welfare advice with friends and neighbours.

One particularly important point is knowing when not to intervene. A young wild animal on its own isn't necessarily abandoned, and attempting to rescue wildlife unnecessarily can sometimes cause additional stress. The RSPCA provides species-specific guidance to help people decide whether an animal genuinely needs assistance.

If you encounter wildlife that appears injured or distressed, keep yourself and the animal safe. The RSPCA advises keeping pets away and avoiding handling sick or injured wild birds. Where an animal genuinely needs help, its online wildlife guidance explains what action to take and when specialist assistance is required.

Could you become a Wildlife Friend?

The RSPCA's Wildlife Friends programme is designed to be flexible and doesn't involve handling animals. Participants receive seasonal activities and information from the charity's wildlife experts, and the activities can be undertaken wherever you live.

RSPCA Bromley & District is a local volunteer-run branch and is separate from the national RSPCA's wildlife rescue and inspectorate services. Although we don't have an animal centre or wildlife facilities ourselves, we're always pleased to help spread good animal-welfare information within our community.

If you'd like some inspiration for helping wildlife this autumn, take a look at the national RSPCA's Wildlife Friends programme.