British households are being urged to leave water outside their homes and driveways overnight as temperatures soar again.
Today is the first day of the five-day yellow fever health alert from UKHSA. This means that burning hot temperatures can be so high that it affects people's health. This is because Met Office is forecasting a slow rise in temperatures from today's 25c to 30°C from Saturday.
Of course, the sun is great for weekend planning, but the creatures around our neighborhood, the dry, hot, sunny weather will be at a cost.
Some report seeing dead birds in the streets during long periods of sun spells, while hedgehogs, already incredibly endangered, may also suffer from a lack of water.
That's why every household is encouraged to leave a source of drinking water outside the home, either in their gardens or in their driveways.
The supply of drinking water is expected to help reduce thirst for foxes, hedgehogs, birds, and even honeybees and hornets. All of them are essential to healthy ecosystems, and if they die, we all die.
As advised by one Reddit user, U/Emehen said:
u/byjmini said:
And the u/evening letter2278 is built on advice, saying, “The birds prefer to have bowls and baths open in case they lurk in the bushes. They also stuff or flock with family, friends or flocks if they know that there is a place to wash and drink.
Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardeningexpress.co.uk, said:
“Natural water sources often deplete during dry spells, so wildlife is extremely vulnerable to dehydration if we don't help them.
“We are lucky enough to pour ice cold drinks and turn on the air conditioning when they feel too hot, but wildlife doesn't have that luxury.
“They have to rely on the environment around them to survive, and that's where we can intervene.
“What's as quick and easy as putting out a dish of fresh water in your garden can be the difference between life and death of a local bird, hedgehog, butterfly, or honeybee.
“You could also consider adding a bird bath to your outdoor space, not only adding an elegant touch to your garden, but also providing a place where the birds can keep their feathers up.
“Helping with wildlife doesn't have to be complicated or cost-effective. Anyone can contribute whether it's a big garden, a small patio or even a balcony.”
If you can regularly refill your small water, sprinkle with some stones and pebbles to help the birds find scaffolding in the water, it will greatly increase the hope of survival of everything that lives nearby.
