The UK is home to a wide array of wildlife, and many creatures great and small seek solace and rest in our gardens - and there's one simple daily task to do to help robins and other birds this summer08:21, 07 Jul 2026Gardeners have been urged to carry out one simple daily task to help protect robins and other birds visiting their gardens this summer.‌The UK is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, and many creatures both large and small may seek refuge and rest in our gardens. Warmer weather tends to draw people outdoors more often, and for those lucky enough to have a garden, it can inspire a bit of a tidy-up - trimming hedges, mowing lawns and more.‌However, experts are urging people to tread carefully.‌This is because our gardens aren't just extensions of our homes - they serve as vital sanctuaries for all manner of wildlife, including essential pollinators such as bumblebees, honeybees, wasps, drone flies, ladybirds, beetles and more.For creatures like hedgehogs and birds, gardens can offer much-needed shelter and a place to rest.‌When it comes to robins and other birds, the sweltering temperatures that come with summer can cause real problems — but one simple daily task can make all the difference when they need it most.RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) wildlife gardening expert Adrian Thomas said: "Our gardens can provide the most for birds by being designed, planted and maintained to provide a healthy menu and happy home all year round."So, what exactly is this daily task that can give birds a helping hand?‌It's straightforward - simply refilling birdbaths with fresh tap water every single day. The RSPB states: "A bird bath can be a vital source of water for drinking and bathing for birds, in both hot and cold weather - and an attractive addition to your garden."Birds need water for drinking and bathing. Bird baths are particularly important during the winter when natural supplies may be frozen, and in dry conditions that occur mainly during summer."‌Thomas also highlighted the importance of keeping bird baths clean and well-maintained. He said: "Clean them thoroughly once a week to reduce spread of disease between birds."The RSPB recommends using a non-toxic disinfectant, though it's essential to rinse the bird bath out thoroughly afterwards to ensure no chemical residue is left behind.There are other ways to support your garden birds too, including holding off on trimming your hedges until later in the season.‌Thomas explained: "Delay hedge cutting until late August when nesting season is safely out of the way."With berrying hedges, try cutting one side this year and the other side next year to ensure there are always berries on offer to birds."‌Turning to lawns, Thomas added that "variety in lawn length is the spice of life for birds."The RSPB explains: "Mowing your lawn less saves you time and makes a big difference to the wildlife in your garden. Create a mini jungle for beetles and other small creatures to wander and where sparrows and goldfinches can come to feed on the seeds."The nature conservation charity adds this will encourage grasses to "set feed" while encouraging wildflowers to bloom and "provide nectar", with the longer stems creating a "sheltered microclimate".Article continues belowIt adds: "Avoid using strimmers too, as they can injure hedgehogs, frogs and insect larvae. If you can resist mowing your lawn until late summer, this will mimic the hay meadows of old."