Caring for UK Wildlife During Heatwaves

When temperatures soar, UK wildlife can struggle to find water, shade and safe places to rest. A few small changes in your garden, balcony or local green space can make a real difference to birds, bees, hedgehogs, butterflies and amphibians.

BRDBX wildlife boxes and feeders are designed to turn everyday outdoor spaces into havens for nature. Architect-designed habitats such as BRDBX bird boxes and feeder boxes provide secure, long-term shelter and feeding stations for British garden species.

Why heatwaves are hard on wildlife

For many species, hot weather is not just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous. Birds may avoid exposed areas, insects can become exhausted while foraging and hedgehogs or amphibians may struggle to find enough moisture to survive the day.[wwf.org]

Dry conditions also increase wider risks, including wildfires and habitat stress. The RSPCA warns that dry grass raises fire risk and advises extra care with litter, cigarette ends, sky lanterns and disposable barbecues.

 

What you can do at home

The most helpful action is to put out fresh water every day. Use a shallow bird bath, dish or tray and add stones or a gentle slope so insects and smaller animals can drink safely without falling in. A simple way to integrate this with your garden design is to place a BRDBX bird box or feeder nearby, creating a combined feeding and drinking hub that birds quickly learn to use.[brdbx.co]

Shade matters just as much as water. Leave some longer grass, keep hedges and shrubs untrimmed where possible and allow wild corners to grow so birds and insects have cooler, sheltered places to retreat. BRDBX boxes, made from durable materials and designed to sit neatly on walls, fences or posts, can be positioned in dappled shade to offer secure roosting and nesting sites away from direct sun.

Food can help too, especially when natural sources are limited. Birds may benefit from feeders kept clean and topped up with suitable seed, suet or nuts. Stylish BRDBX feeders such as The Larder | Bird Feeder and The Pantry | Bird Feeder provide sheltered perching and feeding spaces that work well in both small urban gardens and larger plots [brdbx.co]. Hedgehogs can be offered appropriate meat-based cat or dog food and fresh water, but never milk

 

Wildlife by species

Different animals need slightly different support during hot spells. Birds need water for drinking and bathing plus safe shaded cover. BRDBX bird boxes such as those in the Bird Boxes collection give species like blue tits, sparrows and robins protected nesting and roosting spaces that remain useful in both cooler and hotter months.

Bees and butterflies do best with nectar-rich flowers and shallow water sources where they can land, drink and escape easily. Bug and bee boxes from BRDBX, found in the main Collections area, add extra micro-habitats for pollinators and other beneficial insects, supporting them through dry spells when natural shelter can be scarce.

If you have a pond, keep it topped up and as clean as possible. A shallow edge is especially important so frogs, toads and other small animals can get in and out safely. In smaller spaces, a large tray or half barrel with stones and marginal plants can act as a mini wildlife pond, especially when paired with nearby BRDBX boxes that provide cover for amphibians and invertebrates.

 

What not to do

Avoid forcing wildlife to interact with you or moving animals unless they are clearly in distress. For example, a tired bee on a hot pavement can sometimes be gently moved to a shady flower if it is safe to do so, but feeding solutions like sugar water should only be used as a last resort.[wwf.org]

Do not use pesticides where wildlife may be feeding or resting and be careful when mowing or strimming, since hidden animals can be injured. It is also best not to disturb hedges, log piles or overgrown areas during extreme heat, as these often become vital shelter. In more formal gardens, carefully positioned BRDBX boxes can serve as reliable, permanent refuges even when other vegetation is trimmed or changed through the season.

 

When to step in

Sometimes wildlife needs professional help. If you find a hedgehog that looks unwell, keep it warm and contained in a box with a towel, offer water and suitable food and contact a wildlife rescue or vet for advice. If you see wildlife in clear distress during a heatwave, contact the RSPCA helpline on 0300 123 4999.

For professionals, developers or landscapers looking to support wildlife across larger sites, BRDBX offers Wildlife Boxes for Professionals. These boxes are designed to help meet biodiversity net gain requirements while providing durable, attractive habitats at scale.

 

Simple summer checklist with BRDBX

• Refill bird baths and shallow dishes daily and position a BRDBX feeder nearby to create a reliable feeding and drinking station.
• Add stones, pebbles or a ramp so insects and small animals can escape safely.
• Leave some grass longer and keep shaded corners undisturbed while adding BRDBX boxes in dappled shade for extra shelter.
• Keep ponds or makeshift water features topped up and clean.[woodlandtrust.org]
• Feed birds and hedgehogs responsibly with appropriate food only and use covered BRDBX feeders to keep food dry and accessible.
• Avoid pesticides, barbecues in dry grass and other fire risks.