If we were to shrink down to a bee's size, a gentle breeze would feel like gale force winds, icy frosts would appear as a dangerous Arctic tundra and raindrops would seem the size of truck tyres.

Not only do pollinators have to battle with harsher conditions when autumn and winter come calling, the nectar-rich flowers they feast on become far and few between.

The colder months are a real challenge for precious pollinators like bees, butterflies, hoverflies and moths, but you can help to support them by providing some critical resources in your garden.

In the autumn, many of our pollinator species are getting ready for a period of hibernation. Queen bumblebees and some butterflies build-up their energy reserves on milder days, and honeybees, buff-tailed bumblebees and many hoverfly species forage for plants like ivy, Michaelmas daisies, devil’s bit scabious, lady's eardrops, Bishop of Llandaff dahlias, sneezewort, strawberry trees, common toadflax and sedum. Provide a few of these in your garden and you might spot pollinators fluttering around in the autumn sun.

Although pollinator activity is low during the depths of winter, some species will remain active, particularly during milder spells. Buff-tailed bumblebees, honeybees, moths and hoverflies will be most grateful to spot winter heather, mahonia, winter aconites, jingle bells clematis, single-flowered hellebore, snowdrops, winter honeysuckle and crocuses in your garden during this challenging time.

Inspired to create a pollinator-friendly garden? Pledge to support pollinators as part of our Nature Neighbours campaign and plot your garden on our virtual map.

Nature Neighbours