As the UK experiences its third heatwave in less than two months, with temperatures approaching 40°C, wildlife is struggling alongside humans. Gardening expert Thomas Rutter has outlined three straightforward tasks that can make a real difference for birds, bees, butterflies, and hedgehogs.
Provide Fresh Water Daily
Rutter advises putting out fresh water every day in a shallow dish with a few pebbles. This allows birds, bees, butterflies, and hedgehogs to drink safely. He wrote in the Sunday Telegraph: "Put out fresh water every day. A shallow dish with a few pebbles will help birds, bees, butterflies and hedgehogs drink safely."
Maintain Ponds and Water Levels
For those with ponds, it is essential to keep them topped up during prolonged dry spells. Rutter also recommends ensuring wildlife can climb in and out easily. "Keep ponds topped up. If you have one, maintain water levels during prolonged dry spells and make sure wildlife can climb in and out easily," he said.
Clean Feeders and Bird Baths Regularly
Warm weather encourages bacteria, so Rutter stresses the importance of good hygiene. "Clean feeders and bird baths regularly. Warm weather encourages bacteria, so fresh water and good hygiene are essential," he explained.
Additional Tips for Gardeners
Rutter also suggests mowing lawns less frequently, as longer grass retains moisture more effectively than a neatly trimmed one. He noted that "sometimes the kindest thing a gardener can do is put the secateurs away for a few weeks."
Gardeners' World's Carol Klein has shared measures for shielding plants during hot weather. In an Instagram clip, she said: "Well we're in a heatwave, and it's really tough going for us humans and also for our plants. Well you can't change the weather, so best thing to do is, first of all, watering." She recommends watering early in the morning or late in the evening to get the most out of every drop. "Watering in the late evening, as the sun's going down, will allow the plants to make the best use of the water."
Applying mulch can also help protect plants by trapping moisture. Klein added: "If you haven't already mulched your soil, trapping that moisture underneath, it's not too late."
Meteorologists have warned that parts of the UK could witness the longest heatwave since 1976, with scorching conditions potentially lasting up to a fortnight. Tom Crabtree, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last. While temperatures are expected to ease across south-east England through the weekend and into next week, it won't be a straightforward end to the warm weather."
