As another heatwave grips western Europe, panting pets are worrying owners—but it is not just domestic animals that suffer. Across France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, soaring temperatures leave foxes, hedgehogs, and birds struggling to find shade and water. The good news: even small changes to your garden can make a significant difference.
Replace Paving with Green Spaces
Satellite mapping by the Royal Horticultural Society for its 2025 State of Gardening report reveals that 42 percent of all UK domestic garden space is now paved over. This trend is mirrored across the continent, where artificial grass and treeless yards are eroding essential habitats. Opting for a grassy lawn and planting native trees such as oak, birch, or willow provides shade and sustenance for squirrels, insects, and birds while cooling the air around your home. A single tree can create multiple micro-habitats, dramatically increasing biodiversity.
“The real magic happens when you create a garden that supports a wide range of species naturally,” says Sean McMenemy, wildlife expert and founder of Ark Wildlife. Adding shrubs, climbers, and herbaceous plants builds environments that support wildlife at different heights and life stages. Log piles in shaded areas offer damp refuges for insects and amphibians, while stone or rock piles in sunny spots attract warmth-loving species. Leaving leaf litter and undisturbed corners gives insects places to breed.
Let Your Lawn Grow Wild
Once these habitats are in place, one of the best actions is to leave them untended. Leaving sections of lawn uncut allows wildflowers such as clover and daisies to establish, providing nectar for pollinators and boosting insect numbers. This is especially critical in Britain, which has lost roughly 97 percent of its wildflower meadows since the 1930s. “Even small changes, like letting part of your lawn grow or planting a few native species, can dramatically increase the amount of wildlife you see,” says McMenemy.
Longer grass also shelters hedgehogs, frogs, and invertebrates while supporting caterpillars and beetles that birds rely on for food. Citizen-science surveys show unmown lawns produce up to ten times more nectar than those cut weekly. Even leaving edges or corners unmown can deliver these benefits without affecting the usability of your garden.
Promote Natural Food Sources
“Feeding birds is a fantastic way to support wildlife, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle,” McMenemy notes. Beyond hanging bird feeders or leaving pet food out for hedgehogs, you can turn your garden into a natural pantry. Plant a mix of nectar-rich flowering plants—single, open flowers such as foxgloves, poppies, marjoram, and lavender are far more accessible to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies than double-flowered varieties. Small nettle patches can boost butterfly populations, as many species rely on them for breeding and larval food.
Leave seedheads on grasses and wildflowers when gardening; finches and sparrows feed directly on them as flowers transition to seed-setting stages. Avoid pesticides wherever possible to preserve natural food sources and maintain ecosystem balance.
Add Water to Cool and Quench
Even a tiny pond, water trough, or bird bath can quickly become home to frogs, toads, newts, and dragonflies—especially in dry, warm weather. Place water in partially shaded, sheltered areas with sloping edges or exit points so wildlife can safely access it. Remember to create small gaps in fences so hedgehogs can visit your watering hole. European hedgehog populations have plummeted by 30 percent over the last decade, leading to a “near threatened” listing on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list in 2024.
For those planning summer travel, consider exploring Europe's top sightseeing stops or the growing coolcation trend in the Alps as heatwaves persist. But whether at home or on holiday, these simple steps can help Europe's wildlife endure the heat.
