From Hedgehogs to Bees: Simple Ways to Help Wildlife Beat the Heat
By Jill Dando News
This lovely sunny weather has been great for getting outside, and cheering us all up, but it can make life harder for our local wildlife.
Birds, hedgehogs, bees, and other garden visitors may find it tough to get enough water or shade.
The good news is that we can all lend a hand with a few easy things at home, helping to keep them safe and well.
1. Leave Out Water
Helps: Birds, bees, butterflies, hedgehogs, foxes, frogs
Just like us, animals need water to stay healthy—especially in hot weather. You can put out a shallow dish of water in your garden or yard.
A raised birdbath is great for birds, and a bowl on the ground can help hedgehogs and foxes. Even bees and butterflies will stop for a drink if they can land safely, so adding a few stones or marbles in a shallow dish can help them too.
🧼 Tip: Change the water every couple of days to keep it clean.
2. Make Some Shade
Helps: Hedgehogs, frogs, insects, small birds
Animals need cool places to rest during hot days. A pile of logs, a patch of long grass, or even some old pots turned on their side can make perfect shady spots. Hedges and bushes also give small animals a place to hide and keep cool.
🌿 Tip: Leave a quiet corner of your garden a bit wild—it’s great for wildlife!
3. Skip the Sprays
Helps: Bees, butterflies, frogs, hedgehogs, birds
Try not to use bug sprays or weed killers in dry weather. These chemicals can hurt insects and even harm animals that eat them, like birds and hedgehogs. Frogs and toads are especially sensitive to chemicals in the water or soil.
🛑 Tip: Look for natural ways to protect your plants, like using soapy water or companion planting.
4. Grow Wildlife-Friendly Plants
Helps: Bees, butterflies, hoverflies
Some plants can keep blooming even when the weather is dry. Flowers like lavender, echinacea, and sedum give bees and butterflies food when they need it most.
5. Watch for Wildlife in Trouble
Helps: All local wildlife
If you see a bird sitting still for too long, or a hedgehog out in the middle of the day, it might be in trouble. Keep an eye out for animals that seem tired, confused, or injured. If you’re not sure what to do, call a local wildlife rescue centre for advice.
📱 Tip: Keep the number of a local rescue group handy, just in case you need it.
