Decluttering this February? Don’t chuck those old ratty towels as they could make a surprising difference to birds, bugs and other garden visitors.
“Old towels can be useful for winter wildlife protection,” says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, who is encouraging households not to toss crusty towels this winter.
“Remove any loose strands, hooks, or loops, and avoid scented towels or those washed with fabric softener. It is important to only use natural fiber towels such as 100% cotton or bamboo.”
Towels are especially helpful for lining the roof of a bird house, as long as the entrance and floor remain clear. Remember to replace towels if they get wet or add a waterproof layer first in periods of prolonged rain.
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Old towels can also help bug hotels by adding extra insulation. To do this, cut old towels into strips and tuck them behind materials inside the bug hotel, helping to trap bitter winds and reduce exposure to ice.
Steven Bell, gardening enthusiast and founder of Paving Shopper, told Ideal Home: “It might be too ratty to dry yourself with, but that old towel can be used to gently contain an animal, keep it warm, and protect both you and the creature while you seek advice from a wildlife rescue organization.”
Another clever use for towels is to tie them around the base of a bird bath. Steven says this can slow down the freezing process, although it won’t stop ice from forming completely if temperatures dip below freezing (try birdbath heater in that case).
A good reminder that those worn-out towels could be a lifeline for garden visitors.