Gardeners are being urged to put a tray of water in their gardens this weekend in a bid to help out the world after weeks of drought.
Though the extended hot weather has finally started to cool off, there has still been very little rain in the UK over the past week, even though the weather isn’t as hot as the week before. Drought conditions can make life more difficult for vital pollinators like bees as well as birds, hedgehogs, frogs, and all sorts of other wildlife that relies on a source of fresh drinking water in the summer months.
According to the Environment Agency, several areas of England are officially in drought status right now: Yorkshire (all four of its counties), Cumbria and Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Chesire, East Midlands and West Midlands
Bumblebees are covered in a furry coat which helps protect them in the UK’s usually moderate climate. But as hot summers get ever hotter here, bumblebee populations could be put under even more pressure, the WWF says.
And birds need a supply of fresh drinking water in order to keep cool and keep their strength up and avoid dehydration in the summer months.
Looking to this weekend’s forecast, the Met Office is still not forecasting any rain in London or most of the UK. It says in its Saturday to Monday forecast: “A mostly fine, dry and settled period with sunny spells and variable cloud. Temperatures rising above average, warm or very warm by Monday.”
That’s why gardeners are being asked to leave a tray of water in their gardens this weekend in a bid to help bumblebees and birds, as well as other wildlife, endure the drought weather conditions.
Chief Adviser for Wildlife at WWF, Paul De Ornellas, said: “Bumblebees are crucial for pollinating crops, fruits and plants, and they always make me smile when I see them. “They’re vital for maintaining a healthy environment and for our food production.
“Unfortunately, like many insects, bumblebees are in decline due to habitat loss linked to land use change, pesticides, and pollution, all made worse by climate change.
“As temperatures rise, bumblebees are moving north to look for more suitable environments, but sadly some species could find themselves with nowhere left to go.
“Bumblebees also have a furry coat and much prefer cooler climates as they can easily overheat and become unable to fly or forage. They also struggle in times of extreme heat as the flowers providing them with nectar and pollen may start wilting and drying.”
He advised that gardeners should, as well as planting flowers in shaded areas, place a tray of water in the garden to help bumblebees cool off.
He added: “Flowering plants in shady areas will be a welcome relief for bumblebees. If you see a sleepy bumblebee on the pavement or a windowsill in the hot sun, they can be carefully transported to a flower in a shady area if safe to do so.
“Provide a shallow tray of water, with pebbles, branches or bark above the water level for bees to rest on as they drink.”
The Wildlife Trusts explains: “Water is essential for wildlife to thrive, but it isn’t just for drinking. Amphibians like newts, frogs and toads use water as shelter and breeding grounds. Butterflies get valuable minerals and salts from slightly muddy water, and birds use water to bathe and remove parasites.
“During hot summer weather, it is important to have plenty of water for animals and birds to drink and bathe in.”