How Can I Help Local Wildlife During A Heatwave?
When temperatures soar, it's not just our pets that feel the effects of the heat.
Garden birds, hedgehogs, bees, butterflies and other wildlife can all struggle to find food, water and shelter during prolonged periods of hot weather.
The good news is that a few simple actions can make a huge difference.
Whether you have a large garden, a small patio or even a balcony, here's how you can support local wildlife during a heatwave.
Why Is Hot Weather Difficult For Wildlife?
Wild animals can't simply move indoors when temperatures rise. Heatwaves can lead to:
☀️ Dehydration
☀️ Reduced food availability
☀️ Dry water sources
☀️ Heat stress
☀️ Increased risk for young animals
Providing access to water and shelter can help wildlife cope with extreme weather conditions.
The Most Important Thing You Can Do:
Provide Water
A clean, shallow water source can be a lifeline during hot weather.
Suitable options include:
💧 Bird baths
💧 Shallow bowls
💧 Wildlife ponds
💧 Plant saucers
Remember to refresh water regularly, especially during very hot weather.
Make Water Safe
If using a bowl or container:
✔️ Add stones or pebbles
✔️ Create shallow edges
✔️ Ensure smaller animals can climb out easily
This helps prevent insects, bees and young wildlife from becoming trapped
Helping Garden Birds
Birds can quickly become dehydrated during hot weather.
You can help by:
🐦 Providing fresh drinking water
🐦 Offering a bird bath
🐦 Keeping feeders topped up
🐦 Positioning feeding stations in shaded areas
Many birds will use water for both drinking and bathing during a heatwave.
Helping Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs often travel long distances searching for food and water. A shallow bowl of fresh water can be incredibly valuable.
Avoid offering milk, as hedgehogs cannot digest it properly.
Instead provide:
✔️ Fresh water
✔️ Suitable hedgehog food
✔️ Access routes through fences where possible
Helping Bees And Pollinators
Bees work hard during the summer but can become exhausted in extreme heat.
You can support them by:
🐝 Leaving shallow water with pebbles
🐝 Growing pollinator-friendly flowers
🐝 Avoiding pesticides
🐝 Allowing some areas of your garden to grow naturally
Supporting Butterflies
Butterflies benefit from:
🦋 Nectar-rich flowers
🦋 Sunny resting spots
🦋 Shallow water sources
🦋 Undisturbed garden areas
Even a few flowering plants can provide valuable resources.
Wildlife Heatwave Checklist
| Action | Helps |
|---|---|
| Put out fresh water daily | Birds, hedgehogs, insects |
| Create shaded areas | All wildlife |
| Add pebbles to water dishes | Bees and insects |
| Keep feeders topped up | Garden birds |
| Avoid disturbing nests | Birds and mammals |
| Leave some areas wild | Pollinators and insects |
Heatwaves can be challenging for local wildlife, but small actions can make a significant difference.
By providing water, shelter and food where appropriate, you can help support the birds, hedgehogs, pollinators and other wildlife sharing our gardens this summer.
At Smith's Pets, we're passionate about helping all animals thrive, whether they're part of the family or visiting your garden.
