Anyone with squirrels in their garden this winter has been issued a warning by wildlife experts.

Though some gardeners may see the furry grey (or sometimes red) rodents as being pests which dig holes or trample plants, in reality, squirrels are a really useful addition to a garden’s ecosystem and now gardeners are being encouraged to help them out over the tough cold and icy winter months.

Squirrels are often seen jumping from tree to tree but can also run along the top of fence panels or across garden pergolas and shed roofs.

Squirrels, unlike some animals like frogs and hedgehogs, do not hibernate fully over winter, instead entering a lighter sleep and as a result need lots of energy rich good to survive the coldest months of the year.

Gardeners are being told that, in order to boost squirrels, the best plants are walnut trees or common hazel.

Wildlife website Plantura says: “Squirrels are wonderful garden mates, especially in autumn. Squirrels are easy to observe as they flit from tree to tree in search of food. The reason for their elaborate search for food is the approaching winter. Since squirrels do not hibernate but enter a lighter stage of sleep known as torpor, they must stock up on energy-rich food to survive the colder months. A walnut tree (Juglans regia) or a common hazel (Corylus avellana) in the garden helps these little creatures fill up their food reserves”

Both of these are beloved by squirrels, but if you can’t find those or have nowhere to plant them, another option is a squirrel feeder.

These are a bit like bird feeders, except you stock them with nuts and seeds and encourage squirrels to go for them instead of or as well as birds.

Birdfood.co.uk says: “Squirrels in your garden can be entertaining but may damage bird feeders. Provide them with their own squirrel food in a dedicated squirrel feeder to reduce interference. This way, squirrels and birds can coexist peacefully.”