Keeping wildlife safe during sustained periods of hot weather is concerning many city folks amid the global climate crisis.

Amid some early summer sun this month, plenty of people have already had their barbecue fired up – but what about animals who can no longer access their food or water sources?  

Norwich Evening News: a shallow pool of water could be life-saving for a hedgehog and other small animals a shallow pool of water could be life-saving for a hedgehog and other small animals (Image: Archant)

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Liam Smith, a Norwich wildlife expert and owner of the A Shot of Wildlife Youtube channel, has some tips, tricks and advice on small steps people can take to ensure animals continue to thrive.  

He said: “The species that are most likely to struggle a bit more are those that rely on invertebrates for food, particularly slugs, snails and worms.  

“Hedgehogs, the famous face of a struggling urban animal, do not do well in hot periods as most of their food sources dry up.” 

Norwich Evening News: Animals can withstand the heat as long as they have access to water Animals can withstand the heat as long as they have access to water (Image: Archant)

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As well as this, many animals can suffer from dehydration and heat exhaustion.  

But people can take steps to help keep animals safe.  

Liam said: “The best thing people can do is make sure that they have a water source in their gardens.  

“A shallow tray of water could be a real-life saver, make sure that if you do put a bowl of water out, animals have a way of getting out and don’t become stuck. 

Norwich Evening News: A permanent water source can help animals to revisit A permanent water source can help animals to revisit (Image: PA)

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“Long term the best thing you can do for wildlife in your garden is make a permanent water source – if animals know it is reliable, they are likely to return again and again.” 

Liam also asks people not to intervene unless they must though.

Norwich Evening News: Liam Smith wants people to wait before they intervene Liam Smith wants people to wait before they intervene (Image: Liam Smith)

He said: “Most wildlife is adapted to survive in the heat and sometimes people intervening has the opposite effect to helping.  

“If an animal is seeking shade in your garden, then it is best to give it space and keep watch for a little while before taking any action.” 

Norwich Evening News: Hedgehogs food mostly dries up in hotter weather - so it is important to leave water out for them Hedgehogs food mostly dries up in hotter weather - so it is important to leave water out for them (Image: Archant)