Help wildlife in the hot weather

Help wildlife in hot weather and lend a helping hand. Keep your watering stations topped up with water, and let some of your garden grow wild to provide shade for animals.

Follow these actions to turn your garden or green space into a summer sanctuary for wildlife. Providing shallow dishes of water and shady spots, and keeping your garden wild, will help birds, insects and mammals to cope during the hot weather. Even a small change can make a big difference, so get involved and let your garden grow for nature.

Provide enough water

Provide a shallow dish of water for thirsty birds, mammals and insects.

Placing some stones in the middle will help any insects that may fall in, and provide useful landing spots for them to have a drink too.

Top up the bird bath

Birds need water to bathe to keep their feathers in good condition, so top up the bird bath regularly with fresh water. You can use rain water collected in a water butt.

frog hiding in the shade under logs infographic

Provide enough cover from the sun

Provide logs, stone slabs, rockeries and tall grass, which provides cover for frogs, toads and newts seeking shelter from the sun.

Topping up a pond with a hose infographic

Top up your pond

Ponds that are low can be topped up. The best way to do this is through collecting rain water. Use a water butt to collect rain water throughout the year, which can then be used to fill ponds and bird baths when rain is scarce.

If your water butt or rain barrel is empty, tap water can be used but only use a little at a time.