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Remember wildlife as temperatures rise

With the very hot weather this week, which is due to continue this summer, Northumberland Wildlife Trust is urging members of the public not to let wildlife wilt in the heat as they reach for their sun cream and ice lollies.
Image of a red fox standing in grass and taking a drink from a puddle with it's reflection visible in the water, whilst looking at the camera.

Thirsty fox. Image by Bertie Gregory/2020VISION.

The biggest thing all wildlife needs during hot weather or prolonged periods of dry weather is water. As fresh natural sources of water such as streams and ponds start to dry up, it is vital that everybody does their bit to help.

Water is important for mammals and for birds who need it to remove dirt and grit from their feathers and to keep them in tip top condition. They can easily suffer from heat stroke and over exertion.

If budgets allow, the wildlife charity is encouraging everybody to put a bird bath in their garden or back yard and to keep it topped up with water, although any shallow dish such as a washing up bowl will suffice. For smaller birds, water in a saucer is better as they may fall into a deeper container and get into difficulty.

Drier weather conditions make worms tunnel further into the soil, becoming scarce for the wildlife that usually feasts on them, such as blackbirds, robins, hedgehogs, and frogs. To compensate for this, additional food should be left out to help them.

Blackbirds will readily take items such as dog or cat food to feed to their chicks. Cooked pasta, boiled potatoes, and unsalted bacon rind are suitable for birds along with fat and suet balls.

Brown garden bird perched on a hanging feeder, pecking at mixed seeds, with a blurred house and greenery in the background.

Sparrow on garden feeder © Ben Hall/2020VISION.

Inexpensive bird feeders from supermarkets can be filled with fruit, raisins, seeds, grains, and oats to feed them and placed in shaded areas to help keep birds cooler and stop oily seeds from spoiling as quickly.

Bird houses should be mounted in shaded locations and have wide ventilation slits or holes under the eaves to provide cooling air circulation for nestlings.

Don't forget to be wildlife-friendly when tending to the garden this summer.

Regularly watered plants are a lifeline for bees and butterflies. In hot, dry weather many wild plants start to die and if that happens, gardens and the well-watered plants in them will become even more important to them.

Saucers of sugary water are also perfect for bees and butterflies as temperatures rise and piles of dead wood, logs or leaves damp should be kept damp for insects.

A red squirrel leaning over a mossy log to drink from still water, its face reflected clearly in the surface.

Thirsty squirrel © Mark Hamblin/2020VISION.

Take care when using lawnmowers or strimmers to avoid harm to frogs, ladybirds, beetles, and other insects and don't forget to remove any equipment after use to stop animals from getting caught in it.

And finally… sit back, relax and enjoy the weather and all the wildlife descending on your garden, yard, or window box space.

Duncan Hutt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Director of Conservation Officer says:

“Don’t forget wildlife when the weather turns hot. As humans, we tend to look after ourselves first reaching for water, ice lollies, sun cream, and shaded areas and forget that birds, animals, and insects need a helping hand as well.

“A few simple little things such as water, shelter and a bit of extra food will really help. Provide that and you will have a summer filled which wildlife which you can sit back and watch - much cheaper than scrolling through a phone and so much better for your health and well-being.”

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