RSPB launch 3-step summer action plan in response to heatwave’s impact on wildlife

And finally ... Help protect nature during the heatwave

RSPB launch 3-step summer action plan in response to heatwave’s impact on wildlife - RSPB

Blackbird Turdus merula, adult male drinking at RSPB green dipper bird bath. Credit: Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)

The RSPB has released a 3-step summer action plan for UK gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts to help the nature on their doorsteps during the heatwave.

With summer temperatures set to rise over the coming days, the UK’s largest conservation charity, the RSPB, is calling for people across the UK look out for wildlife by providing water and other simple measures in their garden or greenspace.

The charity has released 3 simple steps that gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts can take to help their feathered friends as well as invertebrates, amphibians and even hedgehogs over the coming weeks. According to their 3-step summer action plan the top ways you can help wildlife this summer are:

Step 1: Providing fresh water
Water is scarce in a heatwave so giving wildlife a much-needed drink or bath is the perfect way to help. Whether from a bird bath, pond or shallow dish, any water you put out is likely to be greatly received, not only by birds but hedgehogs, butterflies and invertebrates too. Adding a few stones to the edge of your water source can help ensure that butterflies and other flying visitors can perch while they drink, as well as allowing easy access for creatures such as hedgehogs, frogs and toads.

Step 2: Create shady spots
From birds taking refuge in hedges and dense shrubs, to longer grass giving butterflies and other insects shelter from the heat, overgrown areas in your garden can provide respite for wildlife. Why not leave the lawn to grow a little longer this summer, or take it one step further and allow leaf piles to build up or construct a bug hotel to allow amphibians and invertebrates to make use of these cooler damp areas in the future.

Step 3: Keep up with bird feeder hygiene
In the heat of summer, it is harder for birds such as blackbirds to find worms and other minibeasts living in the ground because it is so hard. Instead of rushing to fill your feeder to the brim however, the trick is to put out food little and often because the warm weather could turn it rotten more quickly.