Heatwave

It probably hasn’t escaped your notice that it’s hot outside! This weather has been a boon for Human sun-worshippers but it is a difficult time for wildlife.

Just like the recent stories of how our train tracks and roads are struggling to cope with temperatures outside of Scotland’s normal range, so too are our native species. They’re adapted to live within the range of temperatures and levels of rainfall generally found here, so when those ranges alter they are often left struggling to cope.

In spring we were talking about how the bees and butterflies coming out of hibernation had been hit hard by the cold snap, many will have died by emerging too early, now however those individuals whose emergence was delayed are also suffering. Together these twin shocks could be very dangerous for some species. The drought of 1976 caused butterfly populations to crash to a level that some species have never really recovered from and June 2018 was even drier than June 1976.

Last week we had a Wild Ways Well first when we decided not to have a fire for the first time ever on one of our sessions. With the ground and vegetation so dry it really wasn’t worth the risk. Wildfires are a real danger just now, just one careless spark could cause devastation.

As always however, there are ways you can help. A simple bowl of water left out will be a lifesaver for many species, particularly birds, and it can be delightful watching their antics as they wash and drink – remember to top it up again at night for parched hedgehogs to get a drink too!

You can also help us to help wildlife by volunteering on one of projects, check out the Cumbernauld Living Landscape Facebook page to find out more.

Paul Barclay Community Networks Officer