Robins will be protected in the heatwave if gardeners put one thing outside now

As temperatures continue to soar across the UK and the heatwave maintains its scorching hold, it's not only humans who are struggling with the sweltering conditions. Birds are experiencing the effects of rising temperatures too, and gardeners along with those who have outdoor spaces at home are being encouraged to provide one essential item for our feathered companions. According to the RHS, Britain's birds "are in trouble, and they need our help". Findings from a 2023 State of Nature report have shown that 43% of all bird species in the UK are at risk of vanishing over the coming decades, and if that isn't sufficient motivation to prompt action, it's difficult to imagine what would be. While the summer months offer bird watchers excellent chances to watch garden birds - particularly species such as robins and blackbirds - these are also the months when UK temperatures typically reach their highest and heatwaves hit the nation in succession. While many of us might assume that birds require our assistance most during winter, experts have revealed human intervention is equally vital, if not more so, throughout summer, reports the Express . The warmer months are when the majority of birds found throughout Britain raise their young, and elevated temperatures mean they depend on us more than ever to help sustain their energy levels. Fortunately, there's a great deal we can do to support our avian neighbours during warmer months - and the initial step is remarkably straightforward. To assist birds in thriving and surviving in gardens during the sweltering summer heat, bird specialists at Peckish, a bird food and accessories retailer, have revealed the single 'urgent and crucial' task that must be undertaken immediately to create safe and sheltered havens for garden birds. The bird specialists explain: "Water is the most valuable commodity for birds in summer. Be sure to leave shallow trays of water out for birds, particularly during dry spells. Even better are ponds, which won't need to be topped up as often, and will also provide insects for birds to eat." The experts have additionally offered guidance on how to establish your own water source in gardens - such as bird baths - along with advice on making it as secure and safe for birds as possible: Position the water source two metres away from cover such as trees or shrubs, ensuring they remain visible while providing a safe retreat for birds Ensure garden birds have access to ample fresh, clean water for both drinking and bathing Regularly clean feeding and drinking areas using a mild disinfectant. Wildlife expert Sean McMenemy at Ark Wildlife reinforces this advice, telling Woman & Home: "With many pathogens, such as E. coli and Salmonella, active in warm weather , it's important to maintain good hygiene for bird health. "Warm, stagnant bird baths can become breeding grounds for disease if not regularly cleaned. We recommend rinsing bird baths daily and giving them a full scrub at least once a week." Access to water is especially crucial for birds during the summer months, particularly at present owing to the heatwave and extended period of hot, dry conditions, which renders water increasingly scarce and causes rapid evaporation, leaving birds desperately thirsty. The RHS has also provided essential guidance for looking after birds in British gardens throughout the summer: Avoid using pesticides in your garden, as insects form a significant and vital component of a bird's diet. Postpone hedge trimming until late August, by which time nesting season will have safely concluded. Reduce reliance on mains water as this has a detrimental impact on wetland habitats. According to the specialists at Gardeners' World: "Feeding birds used to be a winter activity, but birds need our help in the summer months too, to ensure they have energy enough to survive leaner times ahead. Just as in winter, high-energy food is the key to summer feeding. Live food is also recommended, to supplement the food they can find in the wild." In an unexpected development, the RSPB has recommended that bird feeders should be kept free of peanuts and seeds throughout the period spanning May to the end of October. In their place, modest quantities of mealworms, suet and fatballs are recommended instead. Crucially, it's essential that any food provided is placed within a thoroughly cleaned and uncontaminated bird feeder. The RSPB explains: "During summer and autumn, there's a higher risk of disease spreading. But it's also when there are more natural foods available to birds, such as seeds and insects."