Wildlife in July: Supporting Bees, Birds & Bugs in the Heat

Offer Refreshing Water Stops

Water is a lifeline for wildlife during dry spells. Birds need it to drink and bathe, bees need it to keep cool in the hive, and bugs need a safe place to sip without the risk of drowning.

Set up a shallow dish with pebbles or float a cork in a small bowl of water—perfect perches for thirsty pollinators. For the birds, a shallow bird bath or a sturdy tray placed somewhere shady works a treat.

👉 Top pick: Our sturdy Home & Garden Storage Trays in green or anthracite make excellent no-fuss water dishes that won’t blow away in the wind.

 

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Plant for Pollinators (and Colour!)

A good mix of native flowering plants is your best bet for attracting bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. Choose varieties that bloom at different times so your space stays pollinator-friendly all summer long.

Try mixing perennials like echinacea or lavender with easy annuals like cosmos and calendula. Not sure where to start? Grab one of our curated Mr Fothergill’s RHS flower seed collections, like:

• 🌸 RHS Flowers for Containers – perfect for pots and small spaces

• 💐 RHS Flowers for Cutting – keeps your vases and pollinators happy

• 🌼 RHS Flowers for Drought Resistance – ideal for dry, sunny plots

 

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Say No to Pesticides

It’s tempting to reach for a spray when aphids invade, but chemical pesticides can cause more harm than good, especially to the pollinators and predatory insects that keep pests in check naturally.

Instead, try these ideas:

• Encourage ladybirds and lacewings (they love munching aphids!)

• Use companion planting to deter pests (think marigolds near tomatoes)

• Go for natural deterrents like neem oil or garlic spray

👉 Bonus tip: Our Garland 28 Cell Deep Root Success Kit and Professional 24 Cell Inserts are great for starting pest-resistant companion plants from seed.

 

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Build Homes for Wildlife

Wildlife need shelter from the elements just like we do. Whether it’s to nest, lay eggs, or just get out of the midday sun, having safe, dry spaces is key.

Here’s how you can help:

• Add a bee hotel to a sunny wall or fence

• Hang a bird box in a shady tree or quiet corner

• Pile up some twigs or leaves in a back corner for beetles and hedgehogs

👉 Coming soon to AllotMate Essentials: gorgeous hand-crafted wildlife shelters—watch this space!

 

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Dim the Lights

Night-time pollinators like moths and certain beetles get easily disoriented by artificial lighting. Not to mention it messes with birds’ sleep cycles!

Try these easy swaps:

• Use solar lights with motion sensors

• Switch off unnecessary lights after dark

• Choose warm-coloured bulbs that are less disruptive to wildlife

 

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Make It Easy (and Beautiful)

Helping wildlife doesn’t mean letting your garden go wild—unless you want it to, of course. With a few thoughtful touches, you can create a space that’s both a haven for bees, birds, and bugs and a joy to spend time in yourself.

Explore our full Birds & Wildlife collection to find everything from twine for wildlife-friendly trellises to coir pots that make planting for pollinators a breeze.

👉 Shop favourites like our Bean & Pea Jute Twine, perfect for supporting climbers that double as pollinator magnets.

 

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Why We Love It at AllotMate Essentials

At AllotMate HQ, we’re always buzzing (literally) with life in the garden—Diego, our Frenchie, is obsessed with chasing bees (don’t worry, he never catches them). We see first-hand how a few simple changes can create a sanctuary for wildlife and a space that gives back to us, too.

So whether you're sowing seeds for bees, topping up water trays, or letting that patch of clover bloom, know that you’re doing your bit for the planet—one bug at a time.

 

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Let’s keep July buzzing, chirping, and fluttering with life. Happy gardening, wildlife warriors! 🐝🌻🦋