Gardeners urged to place washing up bowl in gardens now
This simple action could help birds during our record breaking driest spring.
While the continued dry weather has been a boon for Brits who have soaked up the sunshine, it's causing issues for birds that visit our gardens. And now gardeners are being asked to help our feathered friends out by putting a washing up bowl outside to create a mini pond.
Scotland has officially had the sunniest spring on record with a staggering 520.5 hours of sunshine. And the unseasonal lack of rain has meant birds are struggling for water sources. But an old washing up bowl can help them out for both drinking and bathing, say the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Katie Nethercoat, from the RSPB's wildlife team said it will help a lot. She said: 'Lack of rain, hardened ground and rising temperatures can all bring in challenges for our birds.
'Providing fresh, clean bathing and drinking water is a simple but hugely effective way to help wildlife, as well as leaving areas of damp ground and soil.'
She said the edges of the bowl will ideally be level with the ground so a spot of digging might be required.
She told the Huffington Post: "Using an old washing-up bowl or sink can provide valuable access for wildlife. If the edges are level with the ground, more creatures can get in and out.'
If that's not possible, you can create little ramps for the birds with rocks and stones, she suggested.
Building a mini pond is fairly simple. Using your old bowl - or even a old water tank or half barrel - move it to the location you've chosen.
Any holes will need to be sealed with silicone and then put a layer of clean gravel in bowl. Avoid using soil as this could make your pond green.
Then you simply need to fill your pond. It's recommended to use rainwater wherever possible as tap water contains chemicals which aren't suitable for birds.
You can plant in the pond too. It is best to put plants in special aquatic plant pots which have mesh sides.
You'll also need to use a very low nutrient soil, mixed with grit. You can buy special aquatic soil for ponds.
Katie also suggests piling twigs, branches and leaves in a corner of the garden which helps to keep the area wet. This will attract invertebrates which birds feed on giving them a steady source of food.
'Even a mini pond in a pot will benefit wildlife,' the Royal Horticultural Society says.
Homeowners are also being asked to leave out unsweetened, stale, dry cereal for the birds instead of binning it.
As long as the cereal isn't sweetened and doesn't contain salt, sugar or artificial preservatives, it's safe. And it's another way to help the creatures out.
Earlier this year the RSPB warned gardeners to reconsider the use of bird tables in their gardens following alerts that they could be hotspots for spreading lethal diseases.
It stopped sales of flat bird feeders on its website after studies indicated they might aid in the transmission of sicknesses like finch trichomonosis, which is hitting finches hard.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Exactly where thunderstorms will strike UK as Met Office issues rainfall warning
Parts of the UK could see half a month's rainfall in just this week when thunderstorms sweep in bringing torrential showers while temperatures could become "uncomfortably" hot Brits are set for stormy weather amid high temperatures and weather maps have revealed the areas set to be worst affected by torrential rain. After a couple of weeks of milder weather due to low pressure systems moving in from the Atlantic, the UK is seeing the mercury rise again and it could reach 25C in central and northwest England on Wednesday. But forecasters are also warning of thunderstorms bringing with them around half a typical month's rainfall this week. Much of the UK can expect sunshine and blue skies on Wednesday afternoon and it will be into the evening when the storms hit with up to 40mm of rain battering south Wales and southwest England. And the showers are set to linger into Thursday. BBC weather forecaster Elizabeth Rizzini said: 'There will be a lot of blue skies and sunshine, more patchy cloud developing through the afternoon. Watch out towards the southwest by the end of the day, there could be thunderstorms breaking out but we are drawing in a southeasterly wind, that pushes the warmer air our way, temperatures in the mid-20Cs for many of us. 'Wednesday night into Thursday watch out for some thunderstorms in the west, and those thunderstorms will gradually track their way further northwards and eastwards throughout the day on Thursday.' While Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Mike Silverstone, has also warned of thundery showers. "After largely benign weather early in the week, some intense, thundery showers will move in on Wednesday evening. These thunderstorms are being triggered by some warm, humid air that is moving into the UK from the south," he said. "The intense rainfall could see 20-40mm accumulating over just a few hours, which could cause some disruption. While there are no severe weather warnings issued at the moment, it is possible thunderstorm warnings may be issued this week." Weather maps issued by forecasters at Metdesk show these cities, especially Cardiff, are likely to see the worst of the weather this week. Cardiff has an average of 74mm of rain in a typical June, Bristol sees around 65mm and Plymouth has 64mm. But with between 35mm and 40mm of rain expected across south Wales, Cardiff could see around half of its standard June precipitation already by the end of the week. It is similar case for Bristol, Plymouth, Exeter and even further north for Hereford, which typically sees 48mm of rain across June. Mr Silverstone also highlighted that temperatures with humidity making it possibly uncomfortable. "As temperatures rise this week, it is possible heatwave thresholds could be reached in some parts of the UK, particularly the northwest Midlands, north-west England and northeast Wales, however it is very dependent on cloud cover later this week, so it is not a certainty, " he said. "This warm spell will feel different to the fine weather we experienced in May as the humidity will be much higher, making it feel more uncomfortable. Additionally, while in May the nights were still fairly cool, overnight temperatures this week are forecast to remain fairly warm, which can disrupt people's sleep."
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Exact areas in Scotland set to bask in 20C temperatures before thunderstorms hit
Read on to find out where will see the warmest temperatures HEATING UP Exact areas in Scotland set to bask in 20C temperatures before thunderstorms hit Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SEVERAL areas across Scotland are set to bask in temperatures as high as 20C this week - before thunderstorms hit the country. Tropical air sweeping northwards has been forecast as balmy conditions are expected to bring thunder and lightning. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Several areas across Scotland are set to bask in temperatures of up to 20C Credit: Alamy 6 Scots will be hit with sunshine before thunderstorms sweep in Credit: Alamy 6 The Met Office temperature map shows where the best of the weather will be The Met Office expect temperatures in the south of England to top 29C. Forecasters predict conditions to be muggier than the hot spell last month, with uncomfortable overnight temperatures potentially disrupting some people's sleep. But highs of around 20C to 21C are more likely across Scotland, according to the weather service. Scots will see the best of the sunshine tomorrow. The Met Office temperature map shows the areas across the country which will see the hottest weather. The majority of Scotland will feel a warm 14-16C from today until Thursday. But on Wednesday, for places such as Aberlour, in Moray, Perth, Glasgow and Dumfries will see an impressive 20C. Aberdeen will see highs of 16C tomorrow, with Edinburgh and Dundee seeing around 18 or 19C. On Wednesday evening, thundery showers will start to move in. Some western areas could see 20-40mm of rain over just a few hours as these intense downpours move through to the northeast, with frequent lightning for some. Brits warned 'don't drink beer' as 42C African heat plume strikes Spain Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mike Silverstone, said: "After largely benign weather early in the week, some intense, thundery showers will move in on Wednesday evening. "These thunderstorms are being triggered by some warm, humid air that is moving into the UK from the south. "The intense rainfall could see 20-40mm accumulating over just a few hours, which could cause some disruption. "While there are no severe weather warnings issued at the moment, it is possible thunderstorm warnings may be issued this week." UK 5 day weather forecast Feeling warmer and more humid during the coming days. Today: Low cloud and patchy light rain across the south this morning, will become restricted to the far south during the afternoon. Otherwise increasing amounts of sunshine developing throughout today with morning showers tending to die out. Feeling warmer for many. Tonight: Dry for most tonight with variable cloud and clear spells. The clearest skies in the north, where it will turn chilly. Mild in the south though with some patchy fog. Wednesday: Morning low cloud across the south will burn away to leave a largely dry and sunny day for many, with a few showers in the west. Widely very warm. Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Very warm and humid on Thursday and Friday with the risk of some heavy and thundery downpours developing. Further heavy rain possible on Saturday, but feeling fresher from the south. Source: Met Office The thunderstorms and a wider area of showers will move north and east through Thursday, leaving more settled weather for a time through Friday for most. However, another band of thunderstorms moves in again from the south-west later Friday bringing further intense rainfall into the early hours of Saturday. The thunderstorms are being triggered by warm air moving in from the south. While there will be varying degrees of cloud cover across the UK, temperatures will build through the week. 6 On Wednesday evening, thundery showers will start to move in Credit: Alamy 6 Some western areas could see 20-40mm of rain over just a few hours Credit: Alamy Highs of 27C are forecast for Wednesday, 27C for Thursday with 29C possible by Friday down south. The highest temperatures are expected in southeast and central England. Mike added: "As temperatures rise this week, it is possible heatwave thresholds could be reached in some parts of the UK, particularly the northwest Midlands, northwest England and northeast Wales, however it is very dependent on cloud cover later this week, so it is not a certainty. "This warm spell will feel different to the fine weather we experienced in May as the humidity will be much higher, making it feel more uncomfortable. "Additionally, while in May the nights were still fairly cool, overnight temperatures this week are forecast to remain fairly warm, which can disrupt people's sleep."
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Daily Record
Expert warns against popular summer drink which can cause dehydration as Scotland to hit 20C
There are certain things people should be avoiding during hot weather, as it could worsen the effects of dehydration. With temperatures soaring to highs of 20C in parts of the Scotland this week, it's clear that a heatwave has taken hold of the country this summer. There's a buzz of advice on what to be cautious of during the hot spell, including heatstroke, keeping cool, and maintaining hydration. It is forecast to be 17C in Glasgow on Tuesday but this is expected to rise to 20C on Wednesday and Thursday. To help keep Brits cool, The Mirror has highlighted certain activities to avoid in the heat as they could exacerbate dehydration effects and this includes minimising intake of a certain drink - and it's not coffee. Today (June 10) is expected to be dry with sunny intervals. Wednesday should also be dry but will have light cloud until evening. Thursday is set to have heavy rain, with the damp weather continuing over the weekend and into next week. Rohini Bajekal, a nutritionist and Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional with Plant Based Health Professionals, has issued a warning about the risks of dehydration. Rohini stated: "Hydration is super important, and you can find countless tips on staying hydrated, from time-marked bottles to whether tea and coffee count towards your water intake." She continued: "Dehydration can cause several, and serious health issues ranging from headaches, dizziness and lack of focus, to kidney and brain problems in severe cases." Rohini emphasised: "It's important that we stay hydrated at all times, but even more so as we approach the summer months." While it's well-known that drinking plenty of water is crucial in hot weather, there's one popular summertime drink that could actually worsen dehydration. Rohini cautioned: "Alcohol is an obvious drink to avoid. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it can cause your body to remove fluids from your blood through your renal system at a much faster rate than other liquids." She added: "This means you dehydrate faster than usual. "When drinking, I would recommend drinking water at regular intervals to replenish your system, and choose lighter coloured drinks with lower alcohol content, and obviously limit how much you drink. "I would also recommend avoiding sugary drinks. A study (July 2016) published in the American Journal of Physiology found that sugar sweetened beverages worsen dehydration and increase kidney injuries. These drinks often contain high amounts of caffeine too." Health expert Rohini also suggests incorporating hydrating food items into one's diet, highlighting vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes, as well as fruits such as watermelon, for their significant water content. Rohini elaborated: "Roughly two-thirds of our body is made up of water. Whole plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables generally have a high water content. "Cucumber (95 per cent water), watermelon (91 per cent), spinach (93 per cent), mushrooms (92 per cent) and tomatoes (95 per cent) are especially good sources. "They are also rich in fibre, a nutrient which only one in 10 UK adults meets the daily recommendation for." Additionally, she remarked: "The eight glasses a day goal is rather arbitrary as there are many factors that affect water intake including age, gender, body weight, the overall environment (e.g. a hot climate), activity levels, medical conditions, pregnancy and breastfeeding." While various beverages contain water, they could have diuretic effects, prompting more frequent loo visits. Rohini cautioned: "If you're drinking alcohol or a lot of coffee, remember they are diuretics (which means they promote water loss through urine), so it is a good idea to drink a glass of water in between drinks."
