Hedgehogs in August – How You Can Help Britain's Favourite Garden Visitor

August is a busy month for hedgehogs. While many of us are enjoying warm summer evenings in the garden, hedgehogs are working hard under the cover of darkness, searching for food and preparing for the months ahead. Every meal they find now helps them build the reserves they'll need before winter arrives.

Sadly, hedgehogs remain one of Britain's most threatened native mammals, with numbers having declined significantly over recent decades due to habitat loss, busy roads, pesticides and the disappearance of natural garden spaces. The good news is that our gardens can play a huge role in helping them survive.

August is Feeding Time

By August, many young hedgehogs born earlier in the summer are becoming independent and beginning to forage on their own. Adult hedgehogs are also eating as much as possible to build up fat reserves before hibernation later in the year.

If you'd like to lend a helping hand, you can provide:

• Meaty hedgehog food.
• Crunchy or semi-moist hedgehog food
• Fresh drinking water every evening.

Avoid feeding milk, as hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and it can make them seriously ill. Bread also offers very little nutritional value.

Keep Gardens Hedgehog Friendly

Small changes can make a huge difference.

Leave a 13cm x 13cm gap at the bottom of fences to create a "hedgehog highway" between neighbouring gardens. This allows them to roam safely in search of food and mates without having to venture onto dangerous roads.

Leaving areas of long grass, piles of leaves, logs and wild corners provides shelter for insects, which in turn become a natural food source for hedgehogs.

Be Careful During Summer Gardening

August is often a month of trimming hedges, clearing borders and tidying the garden. Before using strimmers, mowers or lighting bonfires, always check carefully underneath.

Hedgehogs often sleep hidden in long grass, compost heaps and piles of leaves during the day. A quick inspection could save a life.

If you're planning a bonfire, build it on the day you intend to light it, or move the pile before lighting to ensure no wildlife has made a home inside.

Provide Fresh Water

During hot, dry spells, natural water sources can become scarce.

A shallow bowl of fresh water placed in a quiet corner of the garden can be a lifeline not only for hedgehogs but also for birds, frogs, insects and other wildlife.

Clean and refill it daily to keep it fresh.

Avoid Harmful Chemicals

Slugs and beetles are favourite foods for hedgehogs, but pesticides and slug pellets can poison both the insects and the hedgehogs that eat them.

Instead, consider wildlife-friendly gardening methods that encourage a healthy balance of nature.

Look Out for Hedgehogs in Trouble

If you see a hedgehog out during the daytime, particularly if it appears thin, wobbly, injured or covered in flies, it may need help.

Healthy hedgehogs are normally active after dusk. Daytime activity can sometimes indicate illness, dehydration or injury.

If you're concerned, contact a local wildlife rescue for advice as soon as possible. British hedgehog Preservation Society

Every Garden Matters

One garden alone won't save Britain's hedgehogs, but thousands of wildlife-friendly gardens connected together can create safe corridors where they can feed, breed and thrive.

Whether it's leaving a small gap in your fence, putting out fresh water or checking before mowing, every small action adds up.

This August, why not make your garden part of the growing network of hedgehog-friendly spaces? You might just be rewarded with the delightful sight of one of these charming little visitors snuffling through your garden after sunset.

Helping hedgehogs doesn't require a huge effort, just a little thought, a little kindness and a willingness to share our gardens with one of Britain's best-loved wild animals.

Please keep a close eye on what is happening in your garden – and if you have any doubts, queries or questions, I will be very happy to help you out in any way I can. You can send me your questions here.

Enjoy and take care of those wonderful hedgehogs!
Lesley                                                                                 

Visit Our Hedgehog Page

Gardening for Insects: Drought-Tolerant Plants for UK Gardens

The UK is experiencing hotter, drier summers than ever before. While we still have our fair share of rain, prolonged dry spells are becoming increasingly common, leaving many gardeners wondering how to keep their borders looking beautiful without constantly reaching for the watering can.

The good news is that a drought-tolerant garden can also be a haven for wildlife. Many of the plants that thrive in dry conditions are among the best for attracting bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other beneficial insects. By choosing the right plants, you can create a colourful, resilient garden that supports nature while using less water.

Why Drought-Tolerant Gardening Matters

Water is becoming an increasingly precious resource, and gardening with the climate in mind makes good environmental sense. Once established, drought-tolerant plants need very little additional watering, making them ideal for busy gardeners and anyone looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Just as importantly, these plants provide valuable nectar and pollen during the summer months, when food can become scarce for pollinating insects.

The Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Pollinators

Lavender (Lavandula)

A classic choice for UK gardens, lavender is loved by bees, butterflies and hoverflies. Its fragrant purple flowers bloom throughout summer, and the silvery foliage copes exceptionally well with dry, sunny conditions. Plant it in well-drained soil and avoid waterlogged areas during winter.

Verbena bonariensis

This elegant perennial produces tall stems topped with clusters of purple flowers that seem to float above surrounding plants. It flowers for months, attracts countless pollinators and often self-seeds gently around the garden.

Catmint (Nepeta)

Catmint is one of the easiest perennials to grow. It produces masses of blue flowers from late spring through summer and is constantly visited by bees. After the first flush of flowers, simply trim it back for another display later in the season.

Sedum (Hylotelephium)

Sedums come into their own in late summer and autumn, providing an important source of nectar when many other plants have finished flowering. Their succulent leaves store moisture, making them exceptionally drought tolerant.

Yarrow (Achillea)

Available in shades of white, yellow, pink and red, yarrow is perfect for sunny borders. Its flat flower heads attract hoverflies, solitary bees and butterflies while thriving in poor, dry soils.

Sea Holly (Eryngium)

Sea holly is ideal for gravel gardens and coastal areas. Its striking blue flowers attract a wide range of pollinating insects and require very little attention once established.

Globe Thistle (Echinops)

With its distinctive blue spherical flowers, globe thistle provides a rich source of nectar for bees throughout the summer while adding architectural interest to the garden.

Herbs That Benefit Wildlife

Many herbs are among the very best plants for pollinators.

Allow rosemary, thyme, oregano and sage to flower instead of harvesting every stem. Their blooms are rich in nectar and attract bees throughout the growing season, while the plants themselves cope well with dry conditions.

Shrubs That Can Handle Dry Summers

Adding drought-tolerant shrubs provides structure as well as food for wildlife.

Rock rose (Cistus) flowers freely during summer and thrives in poor soils.                                                                                                             

California lilac (Ceanothus) produces spectacular clouds of blue flowers in spring, attracting bees in large numbers.

Rosemary can also be grown as an evergreen shrub, offering flowers in early spring when pollinators are emerging from winter.

Grasses such as blue fescue and Mexican feather grass create movement in borders while providing shelter for insects. Leaving them standing through autumn and winter also offers valuable habitat for overwintering wildlife.

Simple Ways to Help Wildlife During Dry Weather

A wildlife-friendly drought garden is about more than just plant choice.

Apply a generous layer of mulch around plants to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. Water deeply but less frequently while plants establish, encouraging roots to grow deeper where moisture remains available.

Leave some areas of bare soil for solitary bees, which nest underground. Keep seed heads on plants through autumn and winter, providing food for birds and shelter for insects.

A shallow dish of fresh water with pebbles or stones allows bees and butterflies to drink safely during periods of hot weather.

Finally, avoid pesticides wherever possible. Healthy gardens naturally attract predators such as ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies, helping to keep common pests under control.

Gardening for the Future

Choosing drought-tolerant plants doesn't mean compromising on colour or wildlife. In fact, many of Britain's favourite pollinator-friendly plants thrive in dry, sunny conditions once established.

By planting lavender, verbena, catmint, yarrow and other nectar-rich favourites, you'll not only reduce the amount of watering your garden needs but also provide a valuable lifeline for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

As our climate continues to change, creating gardens that are both beautiful and resilient is one of the most positive steps we can take. Every flower visited by a bee and every butterfly resting in your borders helps support the rich biodiversity that makes UK gardens so special.

Garden Birds in July

Garden Birds in July: Which Birds Can You Spot This Month?

July is one of the busiest and most rewarding months for watching garden birds. While the dawn chorus may have quietened, gardens are still full of activity as newly fledged birds learn to feed, explore their surroundings, and become more independent. Whether you have a large garden or a small courtyard with a bird feeder, there's plenty to see during the height of summer.

Young Birds Take Centre Stage

One of the first things you'll notice in July is the number of young birds visiting your garden. Fledglings often look quite different from their parents, with fluffier feathers, shorter tails and slightly clumsy movements. They may also call constantly as they wait for adults to bring them food.

Although they can appear vulnerable, this is a normal part of their development. In most cases, if a fledgling is fully feathered and hopping around, it is best to leave it alone. Its parents are usually nearby, keeping a close eye on it and continuing to feed it.

Common Garden Birds to Look Out For

Robin

Young robins are easy to miss because they don't have the familiar bright red breast. Instead, they have speckled brown plumage, which provides excellent camouflage while they are learning to fend for themselves. As they mature, their iconic red breast gradually develops.

Blue Tit

Blue tits often arrive in lively family groups during July. The young birds can usually be recognised by their paler colours and slightly untidy appearance. They are frequent visitors to bird feeders, especially where sunflower hearts and peanuts are available.

Blackbird

Juvenile blackbirds have brown, mottled feathers rather than the glossy black plumage of adult males. You may see them searching for worms on lawns while still being fed occasionally by their parents.

Goldfinch

Goldfinches are among the most colourful visitors to a summer garden. They are particularly attracted to seed heads left on flowers such as teasels and sunflowers. Their cheerful, tinkling calls are often heard before the birds themselves are spotted.

Help Birds Through the Summer

Although natural food is abundant in July, birds still benefit from a helping hand.

You can support your local birdlife by:

• Keep bird feeders topped up with quality seed mixes or sunflower hearts.
• Provide a shallow bird bath or dish of fresh, clean water.
• Clean feeders and bird baths regularly to reduce the spread of disease.
• Leave some areas of your garden a little wild to encourage insects, an important food source for young birds.
• Avoid using pesticides wherever possible, as they reduce the insects that many birds rely on.

Plants That Birds Love

Many garden plants provide valuable food during summer and into autumn. Instead of cutting everything back immediately after flowering, consider leaving some seed heads standing.

Bird-friendly plants include:

• Sunflowers
• Teasels
• Coneflowers (Echinacea)
• Lavender
• Rowan trees, which produce berries later in the year

These plants not only provide food for birds but also attract pollinating insects, helping to create a thriving garden ecosystem.

Enjoy Watching Without Disturbing

July is an excellent month to slow down and observe the wildlife in your garden. Watch from a distance, avoid disturbing young birds, and let nature take its course whenever possible.

With fresh water, nutritious food and bird-friendly planting, your garden can become a haven for wildlife throughout the summer. Spend a few minutes each day watching your feathered visitors, and you'll soon notice fascinating behaviours as this year's young birds gain confidence and independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I feed garden birds in July?

Yes. Although there is plenty of natural food available, many adult birds are still feeding hungry fledglings. Supplementary food such as sunflower hearts, peanuts (in suitable feeders) and mealworms can be a valuable source of energy.

Why are baby birds sitting on the ground?

This is perfectly normal for many species. Fledglings leave the nest before they can fly well and spend several days on the ground or in low shrubs while their parents continue to feed and protect them.

Should I rescue a fledgling?

Only if it is clearly injured or in immediate danger from pets or traffic. Healthy fledglings should be left where they are, as their parents are usually close by.

What is the most colourful garden bird in summer?

The goldfinch is one of the UK's most colourful garden birds. Its striking red face, black-and-white head and golden wing bars make it a favourite among birdwatchers, especially when feeding on seed heads in July.

If you have any further questions about looking after your garden birds, please get in touch with us today and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help!

Garden Birds in June: Helping Wildlife Through the Extreme Heat

June is usually one of the most vibrant months in the garden. Birds are busy feeding fledglings, insects are abundant, and the dawn chorus is still in full swing. However, when temperatures soar and prolonged periods of extreme heat arrive, our feathered visitors can face significant challenges.

Why Hot Weather Is Difficult for Birds

Unlike humans, birds cannot sweat to cool themselves down. Instead, they regulate their body temperature through behaviours such as panting, holding their wings away from their bodies, and seeking shade. During heatwaves, these methods may not be enough, especially for young birds that have recently left the nest.

The intense heat can also reduce the availability of natural water sources. Puddles dry up, streams shrink, and damp areas that provide insects and worms become much harder to find.

Birds Most Affected

Many familiar garden species can struggle during hot weather, including robins, blackbirds, sparrows, starlings and blue tits. Young fledglings are particularly vulnerable as they are still learning to forage and may become dehydrated quickly.

Ground-feeding birds often find it harder to locate food when the soil becomes dry and compact, preventing them from accessing worms and other invertebrates.

How You Can Help

Provide Fresh Water

The single most important thing you can do is provide clean, fresh water. A shallow bird bath allows birds to drink and bathe, helping them regulate their body temperature.

Make sure the water is:

• Refilled daily
• Kept shallow for safety
• Positioned near cover but away from lurking cats
• Cleaned regularly to prevent disease

National Trust Vierno Bird Bath

Create Shade

Gardens with a variety of shrubs, hedges and small trees offer birds a welcome refuge from the midday sun. If your garden lacks natural shade, even a strategically placed plant pot or garden structure can provide temporary relief.

Continue Feeding

While birds rely heavily on natural food in summer, supplementary feeding can still help during extreme weather. Suitable foods include:

• Sunflower hearts
• Mealworms
• Suet products designed for summer use
• Seed mixes

Avoid allowing food to spoil in the heat and clean feeders frequently.

Suet Feast Feeder

Leave Some Areas Wild

Longer grass and less-tidy corners provide cooler microhabitats where insects can thrive. These areas become important feeding grounds for birds throughout the summer months.

Signs of Heat Stress

If you notice a bird sitting quietly with its beak open, wings drooping and breathing rapidly, it may be struggling with the heat. Often, providing access to water nearby is the most helpful action. If a bird appears injured or severely distressed, contact a local wildlife rescue organisation for advice.

A Small Effort Makes a Big Difference

As climate change increases the frequency of heatwaves across the UK, our gardens are becoming increasingly important refuges for wildlife. Something as simple as a bowl of fresh water can make a significant difference to a bird trying to survive a scorching June day.

This summer, take a few moments to watch the activity around your garden. You may be surprised by how many birds benefit from the shade, food and water you provide. In return, they'll continue to bring colour, song and life to your outdoor space all season long.

See our full range of bird baths

A mosquito-borne disease known as the Usutu virus has now been widely detected across the South of England. The virus, first discovered more than fifty years ago around Africa’s Usutu River, has been present in mainland Europe since the 1990’s and finally made its way to the UK after a hot and humid summer in 2020. So, what does this mean for our beloved garden birds? Keep reading this blog to find out!

National Nestbox Week is coming up next week (February 14^th to February 21^st) and bird nesting season is right around the corner, so it is more important than ever to help your local birds out with safe and cosy nesting opportunities.

If you’re not sure where to start, this blog will take you through where to put nesting boxes for different species of garden birds, so that no bird is left without shelter this nesting season.

You may have been told before to brush your hair outside, it saves you time on cleaning up the fallen strands and gives your local birds something to build their nests with. However, this is a misconception, leaving human hair out for birds is actually not safe and should be discouraged – we’ll explain why in this blog!

Trichomoniasis is a contagious disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomas gallinae. The disease affects the gullet and throat, making it difficult for birds to swallow and breathe, often leading to death from starvation and dehydration. Birds that are commonly affected by trichomoniasis include pigeons, doves, house sparrows and finches – in fact, the breeding greenfinch population in the UK declined from 4.3 million to 2.8 million since the emergence of trichomoniasis in 2005.

So, how is trichomoniasis treated in wild birds and are there any ways to prevent it from spreading? This blog will unpack everything you need to know about trichomoniasis in wild birds.