Dragons in your Garden

Dragons in your Garden

Amphibians and reptiles throughout
the year

Winter
Like reptiles, amphibians choose frost-free locations to spend the winter: many species dig deep within the soil or hide away at the bottom of compost heaps. Some seek shelter in mammal burrows, others may find refuge underneath your shed or garden decking. Amphibians and reptiles will make use of both natural and artificial hibernacula.

Common frogs are the only amphibian that might be visible, although on sunny winter days some newts may also be seen in the pond. Male frogs lie dormant on the bottom of the pond and on bright days you might see them stir occasionally.

The biggest threat to pond animals in winter comes from ice. Prolonged freezing stops gases from moving in and out of the pond, leaving the water susceptible to a build up of toxic gases and chemicals released as animal and plant matter continues to decompose. In some cases this can seriously damage the pond ecosystem, affecting a number of animals (not lease frogs, which die of so-called 'winterkill'). To avoid this, remember to make holes in the ice during frosty weather. You can do this by leaving a hot pan of water on the ice surface to melt a circular hole. Never attempt to smash the ice, as this can damage the pond life and the pond liner, and don't pour on hot water, salt or chemicals. Alternatively leave a ball floating in the water and remove this if the pond ices over.