This December, we’re championing kindness in all its forms through HuffPost UK’s Kindness Advent Calendar. Check back daily (until 24 December) for new stories focusing on how individuals and communities are going above and beyond to help others in their times of need.

’Tis the season to spread kindness – and, though that can include your friends, family, and neighbours, according to The Wildlife Trusts, “winter is a great chance to make a difference to the creatures on your doorstep,” too.

Tom Hibbert, a wildlife expert from the charity, told HuffPost UK that as the colder weather creeps in, “water and food sources become scarce, and nature needs our helping hand”.

Dr Benedict Dempsey, people and nature advisor at WWF, agrees, noting that “our gardens and outdoor spaces become vital refuges for wildlife preparing for the coldest months ahead”.

There are “many simple ways we can show [nature] kindness over these chilly months”, he added.

Here are some of the steps the experts recommend:

1) Provide ice-free water

“One of the most obvious ways to help is by keeping water stations in your
garden ice-free and clean,” Hibbert shared.

“Offer a shallow dish of fresh water,........

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