On July 11th , a hosepipe ban has been enforced in Yorkshire and the heatwave is due to continue over the weekend across the UK. We are given plenty of advice regarding what to do to keep safe and hydrated, but what about for your garden wildlife.
Here are a few tips on keeping them safe
- Provide enough water for animals in a bird bath or saucer of water. Place a stone in the centre of this so that it will help any insects that may fall in! Water straight from the tap contains organic concentrates which can be toxic for certain garden wildlife. Let the water stand for a little while in a bucket first.
- Always keep the bird bath topped up. Birds need water to bathe to keep their feathers in good
condition. - Keep bird feeders topped up, and scatter some food like soaked raisins and apples on the floor
for thrushes and other animals. When it is hot, insects such as worms tunnel right down so it is
difficult for birds who usually feast on them such as robins, blackbirds hedgehogs and frogs,
they need extra support. - Hedgehogs love mealworms or canned dog food. They also love garden meadows to live in.
- Provide enough shelter from the sun. Logs, stone slabs, rockeries and tall grass are ideal, and
will also provide cover for frogs, toads and newts. - If you have a pond that has steep sides, provide a ‘hedgehog ladder or shallow bank to allow animals to get safely to the water.
- With more nettles and wildflower varieties around this summer, butterflies are doing well. The high temperatures have enabled blue-tits to have a second chance of breeding. This is great news as the number of garden birds dwindles.
So if you have a garden, these small tips will help hungry and thirsty animals – take a look at our website, we have a number of properties with lovely gardens, or if you are looking to sell your home which has a great garden too, call us for a free market appraisal.
T: 0113 4676 400
Visit at 86, Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds
David Phillip Estate Agents, selling homes in North Leeds and covering Bramhope, Adel, Cookridge,
Pool-in-Wharfedale and Alwoodley
