Discover simple ways to help birds, bees, hedgehogs and other garden wildlife survive hot weather and drought with our expert advice.
When the UK experiences prolonged hot weather and dry conditions, it’s not just our gardens that feel the effects. Birds, hedgehogs, bees, butterflies and other garden wildlife can all struggle to find enough water, food and shelter.
The good news is that a few simple changes can make a huge difference. Whether you have a large garden or a small patio, here’s how you can create a lifeline for wildlife during a heatwave.
Leave out fresh water every day
Water is the single most important thing you can provide during a drought.
Place shallow dishes of fresh water around your garden for birds, hedgehogs and insects. Adding a few stones or pebbles gives bees and butterflies somewhere safe to land while they drink.
Remember to top up water daily, especially during very hot spells, and clean containers regularly to prevent algae and bacteria building up.
If you have a pond, keep an eye on water levels and top up carefully if needed. Even a small wildlife pond can become a vital oasis during dry weather.
Keep bird feeders topped up
Natural food sources become scarcer when the ground hardens and plants begin to dry out.
Continue feeding garden birds with quality seed mixes, sunflower hearts and suet products. Birds use far more energy during hot weather than many people realise, particularly when they’re still feeding young.
Keeping feeders clean and well-stocked can make a real difference – Mandy and the Pet Shop team at Hildreth’s have all the kit you need.
Don’t be too tidy
It can be tempting to clear away dried stems or cut everything back when plants begin to look tired, but resist the urge.
Seed heads provide valuable food for birds, while longer grass and undisturbed areas offer cooler places for insects, frogs and hedgehogs to shelter from the heat.
Even leaving one corner of the garden a little wild creates valuable habitat.
Mulch your borders
Adding mulch around plants isn’t just good for your flowers – it also benefits wildlife.
Mulch helps the soil retain moisture, keeping it cooler for worms and other beneficial creatures living beneath the surface. Healthier soil supports a healthier garden ecosystem.
Organic mulches such as compost, bark or well-rotted manure also improve soil structure over time.
Water plants the wildlife-friendly way
If you’re watering during a hosepipe ban or trying to conserve water, do so early in the morning or later in the evening to reduce evaporation.
Aim water directly at the roots rather than spraying leaves, and avoid watering little and often. A thorough soak encourages deeper roots and leaves more moisture in the soil for longer.
Collect rainwater whenever possible using a water butt, and reuse cooled cooking water (without salt) on ornamental plants.
More watering tips here!
Plant for pollinators
Even during dry weather, some plants continue providing nectar for bees and butterflies.
Choose drought-tolerant favourites such as lavender, sedum, verbena bonariensis, echinacea, salvia and nepeta to provide valuable food throughout the summer.
Avoid using pesticides wherever possible, as beneficial insects are already under extra pressure during prolonged hot weather.
Give hedgehogs a helping hand
Hedgehogs can travel over a mile every night searching for food and water.
Leave shallow water dishes at ground level and make sure there’s always a way for them to climb out if they fall into ponds or steep-sided containers.
Avoid using garden netting at ground level, and check long grass before mowing to protect any wildlife sheltering from the heat. For more tips on attracting hedgehogs to your garden, check out our blog here.
Let your lawn rest
A brown lawn might not look its best, but it isn’t dead.
Grass naturally goes dormant during drought and will usually recover once the rain returns. Allowing your lawn to rest saves water while also providing cooler habitat for insects than closely mown grass.
If you want to mow, raise the cutting height so the grass shades the soil and retains moisture for longer. More tips on caring for a dried-out law here.
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