Birds need to bathe to keep their plumage in tip-top condition and to cool them down. As natural resources dry up in the heat, they will look for alternative sources of water. A makeshift pond made from an old washing up bowl or similar could be a real help to garden birds in a heatwave. If you have a more permanent bird bath, please consider that the water will evaporate a whole lot faster in hot weather so make the extra effort to fill it with fresh, clean water, daily.

It’s not just us humans who get thirsty when the weather hots up, garden birds, mammals and insects will appreciate a shallow dish of water left out for them. Leave this in an open space so it doesn’t encourage predators to pounce from bushes onto unsuspecting drinking prey. Changing the water regularly will reduce the risk of contamination and the potential spread of disease.

In a sustained dry period, natural food sources, such as worms become scarce and make it difficult for adult birds to feed their young. Make the search for food as easy as can be by keeping bird feeders topped up but avoid whole peanuts and fats, which can be a choking hazard for chicks – for the same reason, bread is a no, no too. Soaked sultanas, currants, raisins and chunks of apples on the floor will appeal to birds and mammals alike.

If you have a pond, keep it topped up. Rainwater from a water butt is ideal but if that isn’t an option adding small amounts of tap water little and often will do the job. Providing an area of shade over the pond will help to protect its inhabitants. Stacks of logs, rocks, slabs and tall grasses in the garden will also provide welcome shade for the frogs, toads and newts, who will be looking to hide from the glare of the sun.

Wildlife will thank you for a messy garden rather than judge you. Long grasses and weeds will provide shelter for a wide range of wildlife. So, if the sun shines, maybe think about lighting the bbq or sitting down with a cold drink rather than mowing the lawn – you’ll be doing wildlife a favour!

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