It can be considered the most urgent and crucial task for gardeners, as temperatures continue to climb across the UK — and birds will absolutely love your garden for it.08:32, 02 Jun 2026As temperatures keep rising across Britain and the heatwave maintains its scorching hold, it's not only people who are struggling with the sweltering conditions.‌Birds are experiencing the effects of soaring temperatures as well, and those with gardens and outdoor spaces at home are being called upon to provide one essential item for our feathered visitors.‌According to the RHS, Britain's birds "are in trouble, and they need our help". Figures 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 to prompt us into action, we don't know what is.‌While the summer season offers bird lovers excellent chances for observing birds in gardens - particularly for species like robins and blackbirds - these are also the months when temperatures across the UK typically reach their highest and heatwaves hit the country in quick succession.While many of us might assume that birds require our assistance most during winter, specialists have revealed human support is equally vital, if not more so, in summer, reports the Express.‌The warmer months are when most birds found throughout Britain typically raise their young, and elevated temperatures mean they require our help more than ever to sustain energy levels.Fortunately, there's plenty we can do to offer support to our feathered companions during warmer months - and the initial step is remarkably straightforward.To help garden birds thrive and survive in the scorching temperatures, bird specialists at Peckish, a bird food and accessories retailer, have revealed the one 'urgent and crucial' task we must carry out immediately to create safe and sheltered havens for garden birds.‌Crucial action will help birds in the summerThe 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 also provided guidance on how to establish your very own water source in your garden - such as bird baths - and offered tips 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 birdsEnsure garden birds have access to ample fresh, clean water for both drinking and bathingRegularly clean feeding and drinking areas using a mild disinfectant.‌Sean McMenemy, Wildlife expert at Ark Wildlife, echoes the 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."‌A water source proves especially vital for birds during summer, particularly now given the heatwave and extended period of hot, dry conditions, which makes water increasingly scarce and causes it to evaporate quickly, leaving birds desperately thirsty and vulnerable.The RHS has also provided essential guidance for looking after birds in UK gardens throughout the summer months:Avoid using pesticides in your gardens, as insects form a vital (and substantial) portion of a bird's diet.Hold off trimming hedges until late August, by which time nesting season will have safely concluded.Reduce the use of mains water as it has a knock-on impact on wetland habitats‌What to feed birds in the summerThe specialists at Gardeners' World say: "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 avoiding filling bird feeders with peanuts and seeds between May and the end of October. Instead, modest quantities of mealworms, or suet and fatballs are advised. Most importantly, it's essential to ensure the food is placed in a clean and non-contaminated bird feeder.Article continues belowThe RSPB shares: "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."