July 2026
Did you know you can help wildlife in a heatwave and help tackle climate change simply by letting the grass grow in your garden or local green space? Plantlife’s No Mow Movement, born out of No Mow May, encourages just this. Leaving a patch, no matter how small, where wildflowers and grasses have been allowed to grow can really help in these hotter temperatures.
The longer grass creates cooler and shadier areas for wildlife, providing vital refuge from the heat. It can provide shade, food and protection for insects, birds and small mammals – while amphibians and species like hedgehogs benefit from the cover.
Plus, by mowing less the number of grass and wildflower species gradually increases over time. This creates a more varied soil structure and more biomass in and above the soil . In fact, a more diverse area of wildflowers helps to lock away more carbon than a plain grass lawn.
Longer lawns are also more resilient. During very hot weather, closely mown grass often turns brown, while longer areas stay greener, maintain moisture and remain cooler at ground level. This all helps local wildlife searching for refuge in your garden.
So by taking part in the No Mow Movement and leaving a small patch of your grassy area to grow long, you’re helping create healthier, cooler spaces for both wildlife and people.
Find our more info here: https://www.plantlife.org.uk/how-no-mow-may-is-helping-combat-climate-change/
From football and tennis to pickleball and lacrosse – sports netting and garden netting can be deadly for wildlife – especially hedgehogs.
A hedgehog’s spines can easily become entangled in low-lying nets, leaving them trapped and vulnerable to injury, dehydration and starvation.
You can make a real difference by taking a few simple steps:
Did you know? Even if a hedgehog manages to free itself from netting, hidden injuries can remain. Cuts and damage to the skin may not be immediately obvious but can quickly become infected and lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
If you find a hedgehog tangled in netting, gently free it then have it examined by a vet professional or wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible - even if it appears unharmed.
Together these small actions can help to keep hedgehog safe.
For more information about hedgehogs, visit www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk
Image credit: Michael Partridge/BHPS
Each summer, RSPCA centres see a surge in young gulls being brought in by kind members of the public. Gulls are often underappreciated animals, so it's wonderful that so many people want to help them. However, in many cases these birds have not been abandoned, but have left the nest as part of learning to fly – this is a normal part of their development. Their parents will usually remain nearby and continue to feed and protect them, but many well-meaning passers-by mistakenly assume they have been abandoned
The RSPCA alone has cared for nearly 4,000 gulls in their wildlife centres the past five years – particularly during the summer months, with a peak in June. More than half of these involved young birds thought to be orphaned or grounded. Over the same period, the SSPCA attended more than 11,000 gull-related incidents, highlighting the scale of public concern and seasonal demand.
The organisations are encouraging the public to follow simple guidance:
Members of the public should contact a vet or reputable wildlife rehabilitator if they find an injured baby gull. Injured adult gulls can be reported to the RSPCA or SSPCA – who may advise contacting a local wildlife rehabilitator.
Find out more information here: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife...
Putting out water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help wildlife in your garden. All animals need water to survive, not just for drinking but also for bathing, breeding and shelter. Birds use water to clean their feathers and remove parasites, while frogs, toads and newts depend on it for breeding, and butterflies can obtain essential minerals and salts from damp soil and shallow puddles.
The Wildlife Trusts recommend providing a shallow water source with gently sloping or rough-textured edges so that animals can easily get in and out. Whether it’s a bird bath, a bowl of water, a small water feature or even a wildlife pond, keeping it topped up throughout the year, especially during hot summers and freezing winters can make a real difference to local wildlife. Regular cleaning and refilling will ensure the water remains safe and fresh for visiting creatures.
Find out more here: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/help-wildli...
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