The wildlife charity is encouraging householders to make their gardens safe havens for birds, mammals, insects and other wildlife by providing access to water, food and shelter during the hot, dry conditions.

The most important resource for wildlife during periods of drought is water. Birds rely on it not only for drinking but also for bathing, helping them remove dirt and grit from their feathers and keep them in good condition. Without adequate water, birds and mammals can become vulnerable to heat stress and exhaustion.

Residents are encouraged to place clean water in shallow containers around their gardens. Washing-up bowls can provide an ideal bathing spot for larger birds, while shallower dishes, such as cereal bowls, are recommended for smaller species to reduce the risk of them getting into difficulty.

Garden plants can also play a crucial role in supporting wildlife. Bees and butterflies depend on flowering plants for nectar, but prolonged dry weather can cause many wild plants to wither and die. Well-watered garden plants can therefore become vital feeding stations for pollinators. 

Gardeners are also encouraged to reuse water from baths and washing up, where appropriate, to help keep plants alive.

Dry conditions can have a significant impact below ground too. As soils dry out, worms burrow deeper in search of moisture, making them harder for wildlife such as blackbirds, robins, hedgehogs and frogs to find. 

To help compensate, Northumberland Wildlife Trust is encouraging people to provide supplementary food.

Suitable foods include dog or cat food, cooked pasta, boiled potatoes, grated cheese, unsalted bacon rind and fat or suet balls. 

Pollinating insects can also benefit from a helping hand. Saucers of sugary water can provide an energy boost for bees and butterflies, while piles of dead wood, logs and leaves should be kept damp to maintain important habitats for a wide variety of insects.

The Trust is also asking gardeners to put away the shears for the summer and allow hedges and shrubs to grow naturally. 

Overgrown vegetation provides valuable shade and shelter for birds and mammals, including hedgehogs and mice, helping them escape the worst of the heat.

Duncan Hutt, Director of Conservation at Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said:

"When it's red hot, everybody reaches for a cold drink, and wildlife is no different. A simple bowl of water in a garden can make a huge difference to birds, hedgehogs, insects and other animals struggling during prolonged dry weather.

"By providing water, supplementary food and places to shelter from the sun, people can help wildlife cope with challenging conditions. Small actions taken in gardens across the region can collectively have a significant impact on the survival and wellbeing of local wildlife."