As the United Kingdom experiences a severe heatwave, experts are urging the public to take simple but effective measures to support local wildlife struggling with extreme temperatures and dry conditions. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) reports a significant increase in admissions of hedgehogs to its wildlife centres, highlighting the pressure the heatwave is placing on vulnerable species. In June alone, more than 315 hedgehogs were treated across the organisation’s four wildlife centres, marking a 56 percent rise compared to the same month last year.
Wildlife experts caution that animals such as birds, hedgehogs, bees, and frogs face challenges including dehydration, exhaustion, and difficulty finding food during prolonged dry spells. Rebecca Machin, scientific and policy officer at RSPCA Wildlife, advises the public to be alert to signs of distress in animals. Unusual behaviour—such as hedgehogs active during daylight hours or birds panting—may indicate an animal is in need of help. She also explains that small interventions, like placing exhausted bees back on flowers or guiding frogs back to ponds, can make a difference.
Food scarcity is a pressing concern, as dry ground makes it difficult for animals to access their natural sources of nourishment, such as worms. Machin recommends offering alternatives such as wet cat or dog food, which can serve as a valuable protein source for badgers and hedgehogs. To avoid attracting unwanted pets, she suggests leaving food out overnight.
Garden management plays a crucial role in providing refuge for wildlife during hot weather. Beccy Speight, chief executive of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), encourages homeowners to allow their lawns to grow longer and resist frequent mowing. Longer grass and undisturbed leaf piles can offer shelter for insects, amphibians, and birds, shielding them from the heat. Creating shaded areas using pebbles or logs is also advised to help animals find cooler spots in the garden.
Access to fresh, clean water is critical for wildlife during heatwaves. Speight stresses the importance of providing water sources such as birdbaths, ponds, or shallow dishes, which should be regularly cleaned and refilled to prevent disease transmission. Adding stones around the edges can assist butterflies, insects, and small mammals in safely reaching the water.
In addition to wildlife concerns, the prolonged dry conditions heighten the risk of wildfires across the country. Zoe Quiroz Cullen, head of climate and international policy at The Wildlife Trusts, warns that dry landscapes are particularly vulnerable. She urges the public to exercise caution by disposing of rubbish responsibly, avoiding barbecues, and carefully discarding cigarette butts to reduce the potential for accidental fires.
As temperatures continue to climb, these collective efforts by the public can provide crucial support to wildlife enduring the impacts of an intense and sustained heatwave.