WILDLIFE charity the RSPB is asking Londoners to help urban creatures keep cool, as the hot weather shows no signs of abating.

While the Capital basks in temperatures upwards of 30o C, experts from the RSPB fear the heat is stressing birds, hedgehogs, bees and other familiar garden wildlife.

The nature charity is appealing for people to put out fresh, clean water after reports that wildlife is struggling to cope.

One call to the charity’s wildlife enquiries line reported blackbirds and pigeons trying desperately to wash and drink from a barely-dripping hose. Blackbirds like to bathe frequently in water to stay cool and keep their feathers in prime condition, bathing also helps keep all birds cool in summer. 

RSPB London’s Tim Webb said “I’m going to sound like a cup-half-empty kind-of-guy, but this fantastic hot weather is putting undue stress on some of our urban wildlife. Our current campaign is calling for Londoners to Give Nature a Home. In these high temperatures, we’re also asking people to give nature a meal and a drink”

“Be a good neighbour to the non-human residents in your garden by installing a water feature; just a bowl or dish of fresh water could be enough to help them survive. Water is crucial, but so is food and the hot weather will drive worms deeper into the soil and other bugs scuttling for cover. It may even kill off drought sensitive plants, removing food for creatures like butterflies, moths and bees.

The recent State of Nature report from the RSPB and 24 other conservation charities found the UK has lost 60% of its native wildlife over recent years. Nature is in trouble and needs our help.

The RSPB’s hopes its Giving Nature a Home campaign will inspire people across the UK to create a million new homes for nature. Many garden favourites were among the creatures shown to be in serious trouble including starlings, hedgehogs, some butterflies and ladybirds. All are in danger of further declines unless more is done to provide better habitats.

Hedgehogs are in danger of becoming extinct in the Capital, along with cuckoos and some bees. Many of the declining species are crucial for maintaining the complex ecosystems which filter and process our air, water and soil nutrients. Without them, life would become uncomfortable.

The Giving Nature a Home website [www.rspb.org.uk/homes] gives everyone access to expert advice about helping nature in any outside space; whether it’s a garden, communal area or a small planting tub on balcony.

By visiting the site people can get their free Giving Nature a Home starter guide, pledge support by telling us what you plan to do, and share pictures, tips and ideas with others.  You can also find out more about what the RSPB is doing to give nature a home in the wider countryside.