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Kate Humble: November
Remember, remember the fifth of November but don't forget wildlife this month too! Hedgehogs are particularly vulnerable, often choosing bonfires as the perfect place to hibernate for winter, so please check your bonfire before you light it.
And what about birds? The RSPB often receives calls from people concerned about how they'll cope with fireworks.
Happily, there is no evidence to suggest they suffer ill effects but if you are holding your own display, try and do it away from any known roosting sites.
There are lots of possible chores this month. Clean out existing nestboxes or put up new ones as birds recce possible nest sites for the breeding season as early as Christmas.
They may also use them imminently for roosting over the winter too. The RSPB has been receiving reports of barn owls and kestrels sharing a nest box, and also blue tits and pied flycatchers.
This is a sure sign of a scarcity of nest sites so putting up nestboxes will make a real difference.
October redwings and fieldfares will be joined by siskins and possibly bramblings and waxwings this month. Two years ago I had bramblings at my bird table and it was a real treat!
So much depends on food availability elsewhere but if its scarce, they will turn to us for help so keep bird tables and birdbaths full.
November is a great time to plant fruit trees. Recycle long, strong prunings from other trees as stakes. November can be a blowy month so its also worth checking other trees and climbers and reinforcing their support.
You may be missing birdsong at this time of year but if you live in a street with good lighting, step outside on a quiet night and you may well be serenaded by a robin singing its heart in the street lights.
Wrap up warm and enjoy, Kate
Its not too late to sign the RSPB's bird of prey campaign. To stop the illegal killing of birds of prey in the countryside pledge your support at: www.rspb.org.uk/birdsofprey.
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Weather for Belper
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -4 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
