With the increase in temperatures across the UK which is now becoming a more common occurrence, the wildlife in our gardens is beginning to suffer. Whilst some of us may enjoy the heat, our friends outside often struggle to cope in intense temperatures, especially during prolonged periods. Luckily there are some simple actions that we can take to help provide some much-needed care for nature during heatwaves.
The familiar flutter of a Peacock or the vibrant flash of a Small Tortoiseshell are cherished sights in British gardens. However, beneath this surface of common beauty lies a stark reality: many of our native butterfly species are in severe decline, with over half facing long-term threats. For the dedicated wildlife gardener, the ambition extends beyond simply attracting common visitors – it involves understanding and contributing to the broader conservation efforts that can bring back even our rarest and most threatened butterflies.
The sight of a hedgehog snuffling through the undergrowth is a joyful one, but behind that charming exterior lies a species facing significant challenges. European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in the UK are now classified as vulnerable to extinction, with populations having suffered alarming declines in recent decades. Understanding their behaviour, particularly their nesting habits, is vital to their survival, and this is where human intervention, through providing artificial homes, can play a transformative role.
The Wildlife Community is an online community and shop dedicated to connecting people with nature. We offer a wide range of products to help you attract and support wildlife in your garden and green spaces, including bird feeders, bird nest boxes, bird baths, bat boxes, hedgehog houses, bee hotels, frog and toad houses, plastic free gardening products and so much more.
We also have a great selection of books and guides on wildlife identification, gardening for wildlife, and conservation.
Our members enjoy exclusive discounts on all of our products, as well as access to our members-only forum. In the forum, you can connect with other wildlife enthusiasts, share tips and advice, and learn about upcoming events and projects.
We also donate a portion of our profits to support community wildlife groups and conservation charities.
