TOP 5 TIPS FOR KEEPING WILDLIFE HAPPY & HEALTHY IN HOT WEATHER

With the hot weather not seeming to cool down any time soon, the wildlife that lives around our homes is sure to be struggling in the basking sunshine.

With the hot weather not seeming to cool down any time soon, the wildlife that live around our homes are sure to be struggling in the basking sunshine.

Do your bit for the environment by following our five top tips to help keep wildlife happy and healthy in the hot weather.

GET A BIRDBATH

Adding a birdbath to your garden is a simple yet effective way to ensure birds are kept cool in the high temperatures. Natural water is often sparse during the Summer, and so birds and other wildlife can be left with no drinking water. Providing a birdbath in your garden with fresh water every morning could provide the lifeline many animals need in the heat.

FOOD SUPPLEMENTS

Leaving food out for the wildlife in your garden is an ideal way to guarantee they get the nutrients they need to thrive during the summer. Blackbirds, robins, hedgehogs and frogs, who would regularly feast on earthworms, can benefit from dog or cat food as worms burrow further into the soil when the weather is dry. You could also opt for a range of seeds and grated cheese, but don’t leave any food out that contains salt, as it is toxic to birds.

NATURE PATHS

It may be your garden, but it is also home to a number of wildlife. You can help creatures like hedgehogs, toads and frogs to move between yours and your neighbour’s gardens by creating little paths out of shrubs, plants and gaps in fences. This can really help wildlife to search for food, fresh water and find shady places to sleep or rest.

TAKE CARE OF PLANTS

You may want to sit back, relax and sunbathe when the weathers hot, but remember the maintenance required to keep your plants alive. Plants should be watered regularly, particularly when the ground is dry. Flowers and plants that are healthy are vital for butterflies, bees and other insects during the summer months.

CREATE SHADE

Creating as much shade as possible throughout your garden will be the perfect retreat for wildlife and nature to reside when the sun becomes too much to handle. You needn’t buy anything to do this either; you could simply create a pile of twigs and branches behind a shed or under your garden table to help smaller animals and insects take a breather before heading onto the next adventure.

At Polhill, we stock a range of fantastic wildlife care products that can ensure the nature in your garden is kept happy and healthy all year through. Whether you’re looking for birdbaths, insect houses or food and treats, we’ve got something for every animal and garden.

For more information, you can get in touch with a member of the Polhill Garden Centre team by visiting our contact page or by calling us on 01959 534212.