18/07/2022
News about the "unusual" weather is inevitably focused on its effects on us humans. Many people care about the wild creatures as well, realising they are having a life or death struggle right now.
Here's more we can do to help insects, birds, amphibians, and mammals ~
* Put shallow bowls of water out where you can; grass verges, communal greens and your own garden or yard. Fill them regularly.
* Feed your local wildlife: Badgers, field mice and rabbits will eat moist vegetable peelings, fruit and green leaves. Leave them in the shade if you can.
* Feed the birds soft food for their young ~ raspberries, blueberries and strawberries are a favourite. Insects will also eat these. Don't eat the hedgerow soft fruit.
* Water your garden in the late evening, spray the leaves and ground for insect-life too. Butterflies, moths and other winged insects drink from leaves.
* Amphibians need moisture. Pour water in the hidden places, garden corners,under logs, piles of leaves, etc
* Put a stone in your bird-bath so insects can drink without drowning.
* If you find exhausted bees, feed them sugar in water or honey, or just water. Lift them to a safe, cool place and put a tiny amount in front of them. Seeing them eat/drink is magical.
* Don't use pesticides
* Ask the local councils to stop spraying. Parish councils have power over their immediate area.
* Stop cutting the grass in any area in your control.
* Ask the local councils to stop cutting the grass too. Parish councils have power over their immediate area.
* Don't cut trees or bushes.. it's the wrong season. Countless lives depend on them. If your neighbours do this... ask them to wait till after November.
** Do more to help ** If you can, speak out about the lack of care and attention to the devastating effects that creatures suffer, due to our actions.
* Water your neighbourhood trees.
* Leave your garden plants to seed.
* Let plants grow so that the soil is covered; that keeps it moist. Life will thrive in your wild "untidy" garden.