Wildlife Charity Urges Gardeners To Give An 'Extra Hand' This Week

The UK has provisionally broken May temperature records multiple days in a row now, the Met Office said. 

On Monday, 25 May, we saw a then-record-breaking 34.8°C in Kew Gardens. By Tuesday, we got an even hotter 35.1°C in the same spot; the previous record was 32.8°C, last recorded in 1944.

These temperatures can be tough on our sleep, our lawns, and, as charity federation The Wildlife Trusts told us, the creatures in our backyards. 

That’s why they told us gardeners should offer an “extra hand” this week, as temperatures are expected to stay high

Place water out for birds, bees, butterflies, and more

Speaking to HuffPost UK, Becca Smith from The Wildlife Trusts said water is crucial in these unseasonably hot times. 

“With rising temperatures being seen across the UK this week and climate change set to bring more heat extremes in the future, every drop of water counts,” she said. 

“Giving wildlife an extra hand in your garden, allotment or balcony through small actions can make a big difference.” 

You might want to add multiple water sources in your backyard for various animals, too. For instance, bees might fare better in a pebble-filled water saucer that’s not deep enough for them to fall into, while birds might want a full-body splash.

How can I help birds in the heat?

“Whether in a bird bath or small dish, providing regularly refreshed water for birds can help them to keep cool and bathe, but make sure to regularly clean it to prevent the spread of disease,” Smith said.

How can I help bees, butterflies, and insects in the heat?

“Meanwhile, bees and other invertebrates will also benefit from a shallow dish with a few stones in, giving them a safe place to land and drink,” the expert continued.

We’ve written about how to make your own “bee bath” before.

How can I help other animals, like hedgehogs, frogs, and more?

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWF) said that ponds “support two-thirds of all freshwater species,” adding that some of these, like frogs, can only exist in these environments. 

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) previously told us that you can make your own wildlife pond using an old washing-up bowl if you don’t have much space.

“If you have a pond, make sure it has an easy entry and exit route so that more wildlife – from hedgehogs to toads - can safely access the water as temperatures rise, too,” Smith told us.

“Elsewhere in the garden, leaving your lawn long and creating shady spots, like a simple log pile, provides vital cool shelters for struggling species. These easy steps can go a long way for wildlife.”