Almost time FOR BED

As the season changes, some of Britain's most beloved species are getting ready to hibernate

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From hedgehogs to ladybirds, bats to butterflies, winter means one thing: finding a place to hunker down and slumber until spring. Going into hibernation provides a way to survive cold, dark winters without having to forage for food or migrate to somewhere warmer.

As the winter approaches, these creatures curl up in a safe place and fall into the deepest of sleeps. Their body temperatures and breathing rates drop, and they won't wake up again until spring is in the air...

Incredible insects

Ladybirds, butterflies and bumblebees all hibernate in winter. Butterflies opt for solitary sleeping quarters, either in the larval stage or as adults (brimstone, peacock, comma and red admiral), whereas ladybirds huddle together in large groups to conserve heat. Queen bumblebees hibernate in holes in the ground for long periods while burning very few calories.

Hedgehog hideaways