As temperatures continue to rise across Britain, gardeners are being urged to provide water for birds, particularly robins and blackbirds, which are struggling in the scorching conditions. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has warned that Britain's birds are 'in trouble' and need human help, with a 2023 State of Nature report showing that 43% of all UK bird species are at risk of vanishing over the coming decades.
While many assume birds need most help in winter, experts say summer support is equally vital, as birds raise their young during warmer months and require extra energy. Bird specialists at Peckish, a bird food and accessories retailer, have highlighted water as 'the most valuable commodity for birds in summer' and recommend leaving shallow trays of water out, or better still, installing ponds.
Sean McMenemy, wildlife expert at Ark Wildlife, emphasised the importance of hygiene, warning that warm, stagnant bird baths can become breeding grounds for diseases like E. coli and Salmonella. He advises rinsing bird baths daily and giving them a full scrub at least once a week.
The RHS has also provided guidance on supporting birds in summer, while Gardeners' World recommends high-energy food and live food to supplement natural sources. The RSPB advises avoiding peanuts and seeds between May and October due to higher disease risk, suggesting mealworms, suet, or fatballs instead, placed in clean feeders.
