Rescue centre in Lincolnshire reveals the ONE thing garden owners can do to help wildlife during the heatwave
It only takes a few minutes, but one thing all garden owners can do now to help wildlife in the heatwave – is provide water.
That’s the message from Wild Things Rescue in Lincolnshire – which says the hot weather is currently causing a “wildlife emergency”.
The small rehabilitation centre is asking residents to think about the wild birds and animals during the heatwave and create a water station.
“It’s not just us feeling this record heatwave,” a spokesperson said. “With temperatures soaring past 30°C across the country right now, our local wildlife is facing difficulties.
“Natural water sources like puddles, ditches, and shallow streams have completely dried up. Birds, hedgehogs, squirrels, and bees are working overtime just to stay hydrated, and it’s exhausting them. You can save lives today with just a few minutes of effort."
How you can help right now
The advice from Wild Things Rescue during the heat wave is as follows:
• Put out shallow dishes of fresh water all around your garden (plant saucers or old takeaway containers work perfectly).
• Add pebbles or marbles to a few shallower dishes. This gives bees, butterflies, and other pollinators a safe place to land and drink without drowning.
• Keep it in the shade so the water doesn’t instantly evaporate or turn into boiling soup.
• Give it a rinse and refill once a day to keep it clean and disease-free.
They added: “Our back gardens are a vital safety net during extreme weather. Please top up your dishes today – our furry and feathered neighbors will thank you!”
“While you’re saving lives in your backyard, our rescue team is working around the clock responding to emergency calls for severely dehydrated and heat-stressed animals.”
Wild Things Rescue has a rehabilitation hospital in Langrick, but takes in rescued wildlife from all over the county.
"Right now, our pens are full of sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife from all across the county,” they went on. “From tiny fledglings who have lost their nests to hedgehogs injured in garden accidents, these animals rely on us 24/7.
“We are currently running a vital fundraiser for medical equipment and emergency rescue runs during this extreme weather. Just £5 helps us provide life-saving rehydration fluids and care to a struggling animal.”
To help, visit the charity’s support page.