Rare birds will visit your garden if you stop 1 common habit in July

If you’re hoping to attract more birds into your garden this summer, experts say one simple change could make all the difference.

However, wildlife experts have warned this could actually do more harm than good.

Instead, they recommend putting out smaller amounts of food more often, as leftover bird feed can quickly spoil in the summer heat.

According to the RSPB, food left sitting in warm conditions can rot much faster, increasing the risk of spreading diseases such as Trichomonosis through contaminated feeders and bird baths.

Rather than topping up feeders with large quantities, experts advise offering fresh food little and often, while also making sure feeders are cleaned thoroughly every week using warm, soapy water.

Bird baths should also be emptied and refilled with fresh tap water every day to keep them clean and safe for visiting wildlife.

As well as changing how you feed birds, there are several other easy ways to make your garden a haven for wildlife during hot weather.

Providing a reliable source of fresh water is one of the most important.

A bird bath, shallow dish or even a small pond can provide birds with somewhere to drink and cool off, while also attracting hedgehogs, butterflies, frogs and other garden visitors.

Experts also recommend placing a few stones around the edge of any water source, giving butterflies and other insects somewhere safe to perch while they drink.

Another tip is to resist the urge to make your garden look perfectly tidy.

Leaving patches of longer grass, allowing hedges to grow a little thicker or even creating small leaf piles can provide much-needed shade for birds and insects escaping the midday sun.

Dense shrubs also offer shelter for birds looking to cool down, while damp, shaded areas become valuable hiding spots for frogs, toads and other wildlife.

Although it can be tempting to keep lawns neatly trimmed throughout the summer, letting parts of your garden grow a little wilder can encourage a much wider variety of species to visit.

By making a few simple adjustments, experts say you’ll not only help birds cope with the summer heat but could also encourage more colourful visitors into your garden throughout the season.