The birds’ dawn chorus is increasing as the days start to get longer and in February male garden birds begin to mark out their territory as they look forward to mating. Food is at its scarcest so on snow covered lawns they really appreciate a small clearing to more easily hunt for insects.

Since they’re thinking about nesting now is a good time to hang nesting boxes. Site them out of reach of cats and other predators and consider using walls rather than trees as they will be far tougher to climb up.

Put up nesting boxes for birds, to increase their choice of nesting sites. You could hang a nest box opposite a window, in the hope of seeing the mother coming and going from the nest. Boxes hung on walls can be safer from cats and other predators than those hung on trees.

This month bats are still hibernating, but they have little fat left to live off now. Therefore, they may be seen leaving the roost on warmer nights to find food and water.

You may be lucky enough to see the first frogspawn towards the end of the month, a sure sign that spring is on its way. A frog can lay between 3-4,000 eggs but only between 1-5% of these will go on to produce adult frogs.

Meanwhile hedgehogs should still be hibernating as their natural food is not yet available. That said, if you see one out and about, it is highly likely to need some help so check it’s not injured and offer it some meat based pet food, nuts or sunflower seeds and a dish of water. If it is injured put it in a cardboard box indoors with a towel to hide under and a warm water bottle wrapped in a tea towel before you contact your nearest rescue centre.