As we get into the swing of July some of us are loving the summer sun, me included. BUT, and there’s always a but, when we are busy enjoying BBQ’s with friends and sunbathing it’s important to think about our other garden visitors. For all the birds, bees, and hedgehogs in our gardens so let’s take a quick look at what we can do to make the summer heat a little more bearable for our wildlife.
First things first, here are a few basics we can do to give a quick boost to our thirsty wildlife:
- A bird bath, this doesn’t have to be a big fancy sort. Anything as simple as a upturned lid with water in could provide a vital lifeline for birds and butterflies.
- A ‘beer drinker’, now this is very similar to a bird bath but smaller. It can even fit on a windowsill for those without a garden water feature.
Beyond the quest to quench their thirst, our insect species also need pollen and shade. So what can we do? Well, I’m glad you asked. One thing you can try if you have the room is to plant boarder and pots with native summer flowers. Think relaxing lavender, vibrant poppies, and wild flower beds. These native species provide a rich source of nectar and pollen to encourage butterflies and bees into your garden. Not to mention, that these blooms are usually the easiest to grow and require far less attention making them a wonderful choice for a gardening beginner. Even, ‘weedy’ blooms like dandelions are incredibly rich pollen sources, so rather then pulling them up consider letting them flower before removing them (if you decide to remove them at all!).
If insects aren’t your thing, then how about we encourage some birds into your garden? In addition to a refreshing bird bath you can also encourage birds into your garden by laying out a delicious spread of seeds. Black sunflower seeds, oats, or even a mealworms can be a great way to bring birds into your garden this summer. This is an easy tip that you can do ‘little and often’ according to the RSPB, giving a boost to your local birds without wasting your own seed supplies.
Pro Tip: Here is a great video from the RSPB on how to make a birdbath of your own.
Next up is a very important one as temperatures rise this summer. Shade. No I don’t mean you have to throw shade, but you should have shade accessible to the wildlife in your garden. We all have moments when need to escape, so in your garden make sure you leave corners of your lawn slightly longer or let some leaf litter build up. This will serve as a great hiding spot for friendly insects and newts. If you have any shrubbery consider leaving it slightly wilder so that birds can take refuge from the heat. Nest boxes can help, but make sure you are being careful where you place them. Putting a nest box in sun exposed areas can cause them to overheat, so try to make sure you find a nice shady spot.
Lastly, lets think outside of the box, or rather outside of the garden. Your garden is a small part of a larger network of patchy habitats garden wildlife can use. To move between garden to get what they need our wildlife have to cross endless roads and fences. For example, a hedgehog needs to travel up to a kilometre a night for food which is a long way for little legs. So let’s try to make this a little easier for them. As sacrilegious as it sounds, consider cutting a hole in the garden fence or even your gate (13 x 13 cm is the perfect size for hedgehogs). This will make it easier for animals to get between gardens forming a ‘hedgehog highway’.
In summery here are my quick tips for hot days:
- Water Stations Everywhere: Keep saucers, bowls or puddles of clean water available. Add stones or twigs so insects, frogs and hedgehogs can climb in and out. Change water daily.
- Feed the Feeders (Carefully): Put out safe foods like unsalted seeds, cat/dog food, or rehydrated mealworms for birds and hedgehogs. Never leave out salted, sugary or dairy foods (no bread or milk for hogs).
- Plant Pollinator Buffets: Grow a mix of UK-native flowers that bloom all summer. Even in pots or window boxes, flowers like calendula, cosmos or a wildflower mix feed bees. Herbs (mint, thyme, sage) are great in containers.
- Shade and Shelter: Let part of your garden or lawn grow wild. Pile logs, rocks or leave a patch uncut. Plant or keep a shrub or tree for a cool refuge.
- Wildlife Corridors: Make a small gap in fences or gates so hedgehogs, toads and other creatures can move between areas. Even leaving a shed door slightly ajar can help.
- Watch and Don’t Panic: A panting bird, lazy bee, or hedgehog out by day might just be stressed by heat. Offer help (water, shade) but avoid handling unless an animal is clearly injured. Nature often bounces back with a bit of help on hot days.
That’s its! I know it can sound like a bother but as our summers get warmer it is important to give our wild friends a helping hand. It can be a rewarding sight to see a robin taking a sip of water from a bird bath or the sound of a hungry hedgehog ruffling through food left especially for them. These small eco-friendly actions go a long way, and could make a world of difference to overheating wildlife. So there you have it, some easy tips and tricks to help you be cool this summer!
Love from,
An Earth Nerd
Create Your Own Website With Webador