Wildlife struggling in the heat, warns RSPB
The UK's largest nature conservation charity, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), is issuing advice to the public after voicing concerns that garden wildlife - such as starlings, hedgehogs, butterflies and ladybirds - are struggling to cope with the scorching summer temperatures.
This comes after the groundbreaking State of Nature report released by 25 wildlife organisations revealed that 60 per cent of the wildlife species included in the study had declined over recent decades.
The Giving Nature a Home campaign allows public access to expert advice on how to help the wildlife in their gardens and outside spaces during periods of hot, dry weather.
The campaign appeals to the public to provide fresh clean water and supplementary food for birds and hedgehogs, as natural water sources dry up and worms become scarce.
It is also advised that garden plants are kept well watered, as these become important to butterflies and bees when wild plants die in the hot, dry conditions.
Val Osbourne, head of the RSPB's wildlife enquiries team said: "Turning your outside space into a home for nature by doing simple things like topping up your birdbath, creating a makeshift pond from a washing-up tub or putting down a saucer filled with water could offer a vital lifeline to some of our garden favourites that are already fighting against declines."
Visit the RSPB website for more information about the campaign.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
