People have been asked to place shallow dishes of clean water around the garden

13:27, Thu, Aug 6, 2026 Updated: 13:28, Thu, Aug 6, 2026

DIY Bird Water Bowl Close-Up, Garden Wildlife Concept

People can help out by leaving water bowls outside (stock photo) (Image: Getty)

People living in the UK are urged to leave water bowls in their gardens this summer. It's a dry, hot summer across the country, and the high temperatures are affecting wildlife.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) said it fears the heat 'could take a devastating toll'. The charity is appealing to the public to help save lives, and it only takes a few seconds to make a difference. Anyone with a garden can get involved by leaving shallow dishes of clean water around their green space.

Get gardening news, tips and inspiration plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

In an alert shared this summer, BHPS said: "As hot, dry weather conditions continue across the UK, we’re appealing to the public to provide fresh water for hedgehogs and other garden wildlife amid fears that the prolonged heatwave could take a devastating toll. Scarcity of water is an increasing threat to wildlife in modern towns and cities, and extended periods of high temperatures and drought currently affecting the UK and Europe are making survival even harder."

The charity continued: "Placing shallow dishes of clean water around gardens and green spaces can be a lifeline to a myriad of thirsty garden wildlife. From hedgehogs and frogs to birds and insects, it can provide vital relief during extreme heat. Keep the water topped up daily and add a handful of pebbles so that bees, butterflies and other insects can safely perch while drinking."

Elsewhere, a charity told the BBC it has been 'inundated' with baby hedgehogs needing care. Speaking to the publication this week, Lisa Steward from Thorne Hedgehog Rescue said: "The long hot dry spell has meant that mums are struggling to find food so their milk is of poor quality or it's drying up. We're inundated with hoglets, more than we've ever had before."

Homeowners should not leave out milk, though, as the RSPCA says hedgehogs are lactose intolerant. Advice on the RSPCA website said: "Leaving food and fresh water out in the garden each night will encourage visiting hedgehogs to return regularly. Try tinned meaty cat or dog food and crushed cat or dog biscuits.

"Place the food and water in shallow bowls so they can access them easily. Refresh daily, disposing of food if it’s not been eaten. Never give hedgehogs milk, as they’re lactose intolerant and it can cause diarrhoea. Or bread, as it provides no nutritional benefit for them."

Wildlife enthusiasts can also help out by creating a 'highway' in their gardens. Doing so helps to keep the creatures roaming freely and away from busy roads.

European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) adult animal on a garden grass lawn, England, United Kingdom

Hedgehogs are struggling in the heat (stock photo) (Image: Getty)

"Hedgehogs can travel around 3km (almost two miles) every night. Make sure they have a clear route between gardens by cutting 13 x 13cm (5 x 5in) holes at the base of fences, removing bricks from walls or digging tunnels under the garden boundary – just check with your neighbours first!" the RSPCA explained. More information is available on the charity's website.