UK public urged to place water bowls for wildlife amid heatwave

As temperatures across the United Kingdom rise above 30 °C during a weekend heatwave, wildlife charities, the Met Office and the UK Wildlife Trusts are urging residents to leave a shallow bowl of water in a shaded part of their gardens. The simple measure provides a vital drinking and bathing source for birds, hedgehogs, amphibians and pollinating insects whose natural water sources dry up in hot weather.

Guidance recommends placing the bowl in a cool, shaded spot, keeping the water depth between 3 cm and 5 cm, adding stones or a shallow ramp to help insects escape, and topping up the water at least once daily. Ground‑level dishes benefit small mammals, while raised bird baths should be positioned where predators are visible. The advice also suggests using plant saucers, water butts or even temporary ponds to extend support for garden wildlife throughout the summer and during cold periods when water may freeze.