Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Reminder to leave out fresh water for garden wildlife in hot weather

182 replies

OneBusyFinch · 21/06/2026 21:06

With more hot weather forecast, a bowl or two of water in the garden for wildlife could be a lifesaver.

Shallow dish for hedgehogs (they can’t manage deep water)

Add some stones for bees to climb out if they fall in

Too up morning and evening — it evaporates fast

Bit of shade keeps it cooler for longer

Takes two minutes, makes a massive difference.

Big thank you if you’re already leaving out fresh water!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
OneBusyFinch · Today 09:11

Morning bump. There was a segment on the Today programme on radio 4 this morning about the influx of dehydrated birds, hedgehogs and other mammals into rescue centres

OP posts:
wavingfuriously · Today 10:45

OneBusyFinch · Today 09:11

Morning bump. There was a segment on the Today programme on radio 4 this morning about the influx of dehydrated birds, hedgehogs and other mammals into rescue centres

That's awful news

OneBusyFinch · Today 11:32

wavingfuriously · Today 10:45

That's awful news

It is awful. They were encouraging people to leave out fresh water for all wildlife

OP posts:
Zimunya · Today 11:33

Mystifyingly · 21/06/2026 22:23

We do, but a pigeon still stepped in the kitchen window this morning, drank from the running tap, then marched back out, looking very stately.

Love this!!

OP posts:
Menier · Today 11:55

Have been doing this for a few years now and really love seeing the wildlife coming to drink and splash around. I'd also add to put some water higher up if you can, out of reach of predators.

Armorlux · Today 12:34

OneBusyFinch · Today 09:11

Morning bump. There was a segment on the Today programme on radio 4 this morning about the influx of dehydrated birds, hedgehogs and other mammals into rescue centres

Sad to say we found a dead blackbird on our patio yesterday evening. It hadn't been got by a cat; presumably collapsed in the terrible heat we had here (West Midlands).

I have 3 containers/ dishes of fresh water nearby,refilled each day but obviously this didn't help the poor bird.
I imagine there are plenty more being overcome as their habitats shrivel up.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread