GARDENERS URGED TO LEAVE MEALWORMS FOR ROBINS IN SUMMER

Robins inhabit the United Kingdom year-round but face significant challenges securing food during summer months, according to guidance from the Woodland Trust. Rachel Hoskins from the organisation recommends gardeners offer a mixture of bird seed, sunflower hearts and mealworms to help the birds survive warmer weather. The advice comes as robins typically remain close to their nests whilst rearing young during summer, making food sourcing particularly difficult for adult birds.

Earthworms form the principal diet for robins, but soil dries out during hot weather, causing worms to burrow deeper and become inaccessible to foraging birds. This shortage can leave robins both desperately hungry and vulnerable to heatstroke. Many well-meaning gardeners inadvertently cause harm by leaving out unsuitable food such as bread or stale leftovers, which offer no nutritional benefit and can cause young chicks to choke, as birds cannot break down hard food effectively.

Mealworms represent the best food option during summer, being packed with protein and supplying both adult birds and their offspring with the energy needed to thrive in warmer conditions. Mealworms can be purchased easily in the pet section of most supermarkets. The Woodland Trust suggests soaking dried mealworms in water first to help keep the birds hydrated during hot spells.