WILKO BACKS CHARITY CALLS DURING UPCOMING HEATWAVE

HOME and garden retailer wilko is backing charity calls for the nation to get their hands dirty ahead of the heatwave in order to help migrating and endangered birds, who will struggle to build their nests while temperatures soar.

The earlier than expected arrival of very hot weather may be fun for families but sadly can impact the nation’s feathered friends, as the heat will harden the ground and leave birds such as house martins, swifts and swallows without enough sludge to build their nests and stay safe.

These bird species have rapidly fallen in numbers and charities including the RSPB are concerned that this heatwave could impact their ability to nest and breed this summer.

In better news, it’s easy, fun and cost effective to muck in and help improve the situation.

Daniel Bingham, Senior Pets Buyer for wilko, said: “Making mud pies in the garden immediately helps these birds and is an enjoyable activity to do with the kids at the weekend. It’s worth checking regularly that the pies remain sludgy yet clean, so that the birds can continually and hygienically use them. To bake, all you need to do is take an old dish or garden pot and mix soil with water until you get a truly muddy, gunging puddle. Kids will love the excuse to get their hands dirty and it costs nothing if you already have flowerbeds in your garden.

“Also, leaving small dishes of clean water in the garden and creating puddles can help hydrate birds, as well as provide you with the fun of spotting which species visit you and your home.

“If you have a large enough a garden, you can also consider putting up nest boxes and artificial nests to make more of a long term impact. These should be placed in shady spots to help the birds stay cool. Or you can encourage insects into the garden via bug houses and wild flower planting, in turn helping the birds find the food they need.

“Putting out a little extra food for our wild birds at this time of year will help the busy parents feed their young, but it is extremely important that feeders, bird tables and baths are cleaned regularly to help prevent the spread of disease.

“It’s worrying to hear that our feathered friends will be so negatively affected by the weather and we hope that as many Brits as possible will get out in their gardens and help make things a little better together.

“We know wild birds matter so much to wilko shoppers, with bird food amongst one of our best selling products throughout the year, and we know that many will be quick to respond to the RSPB’s call for help.”