Sir David Attenborough is not just a national treasure, but a global icon. As the planet celebrates his 100th birthday, the RSPCA is urging the public to “give David the best birthday present” by getting involved in its Summer of Kindness – taking on seven kind acts for animals that everyone can do.
Sadly, the summer months can be a tough time for animals – including wildlife. The RSPCA receives more reports of deliberate cruelty to both wildlife and pets than at any other time, and last summer, the charity took 34,401 cruelty calls to their emergency line – up by a third from the year before (25,887).
Inspired by Sir David
But – despite these challenges for wildlife – the RSPCA says there is also plenty to be optimistic about.
RSPCA staff, rescuers and volunteers are reaching thousands of wild animals every year – and many say Sir David Attenborough’s influence is the very reason they work with animals.
Dale Grant, RSPCA Inspector, said: “As a 50 year old man, Sir David’s productions back in the early 80s was the spark that initiated a lifetime of love and work within nature. A true hero and inspiration.”
Shauna Richardson, wildlife rehabber for the RSPCA, added: “ Sir David inspired me as a young child to care for animals and to protect the environment. Because of him, I am now working every day with our beloved British wildlife. I owe him thanks for putting my life in the right direction, and for teaching me so much.”
And Jason Finch, Learning and Development Specialist at the RSPCA, said: “From a very early age, my passion for animals developed as a direct result of watching Sir David’s documentaries, beginning with Life on Earth in 1979. In 1999, I was determined to follow that passion and, as a direct result of his constant influence, I began the career of my dreams as an RSPCA Inspector. Sir David has truly influenced the course of my life so positively and that has allowed me to impact the lives of countless animals for the better.”
Rebecca Machin, wildlife expert at the RSPCA added: “Sir David Attenborough has inspired generations to fall in love with animals and he has been a lifelong advocate for wildlife. His passion, care and voice for conservation has encouraged millions of people – including many across the RSPCA – to dedicate their lives to helping animals.
“As Sir David celebrates this milestone birthday, we’re also celebrating his legacy in changing the way the world sees wildlife, and the importance of animal welfare. By taking on seven kind acts for animals as part of our Summer of Kindness, people can give David the best birthday present – by helping animals of every kind, and helping us build a better world for every animal.”
And polling for the charity highlights how Sir David’s lifetime of work continues to influence public opinion too. Research from the animal welfare charity’s Animal Kindness Index also shows that nearly three quarters of people (74%) believe that human survival depends on protecting the survival of wildlife – and what better way to do that than to get involved with these seven easy tasks?
1. Plant for pollinators
Help bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects by creating a space full of nectar-rich flowers for them to feast on. Pollinators are vital for growing food and keeping ecosystems healthy.
Choose a variety of flowers that bloom in different seasons, such as lavender, sunflowers and wildflowers – but be wary of flowers that can be toxic to pets, like tulips. Plant in garden beds in a sunny area, or if you don’t have any outdoor space, try pots or window boxes. Avoid using pesticides, as these can harm insects.
You can also leave a patch of grass or wild area to encourage wildlife to visit – especially during no-mow May!
2. Make your own pet treats
Homemade pet treats are a fun and healthy way to reward your pet while knowing exactly what ingredients are included. The whole family can get involved in making them, and you could even sell them at fundraising events.
For dogs, you could mix mashed banana, oats and peanut butter (xylitol-free), roll into small balls or fun doggy-themed shapes and bake until firm. For cats, try small baked tuna or salmon bites. Always check ingredients are safe for your pet before making them. Store treats in an airtight container and give them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
3. Feed the hedgehogs
Hedgehogs often struggle to find enough food – you can help by leaving out shallow dishes of meaty cat or dog food, specialist hedgehog food, or dry cat biscuits, along with fresh water.
Place the food in a quiet, sheltered part of the garden, ideally near hedges or bushes. You can also make hedgehog-friendly gaps in your fencing for the critters to come into your garden.
Never give hedgehogs bread or milk, as these can make them ill. Clean bowls regularly to keep the feeding area hygienic.
4. Make a bee drinking station
We all know how important it is to stay hydrated during hot weather – but did you know bees need water too?
To make a bee drinking station, fill a shallow dish, tray or plant saucer with water and add stones, pebbles or marbles so the bees have somewhere safe to land. Place it near flowers in a sunny, sheltered spot. Top it up regularly and clean it often to keep the water fresh. This simple activity can really help pollinators during summer months.
5. Support your pet in hot weather
Hot weather can be dangerous for pets, so it’s important to help them stay cool. Always provide fresh drinking water and shaded areas indoors or outdoors.
RSPCA polling suggests only 58% of the general public across the UK would NOT leave their dog inside a car on a warm day* – suggesting almost half of the general public still underestimate the potentially fatal consequences for their pet of doing this. You should never leave a pet in a car on a warm day.
Kind acts for your pets in the hot weather include walking dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower – check pavements with your hand before walking to make sure they are not too hot. You can also use cooling mats, damp towels or frozen pet-safe treats to keep them comfortable, and make sure to use pet-safe SPF on light-coloured animals.
Make sure you clue up on the signs of heatstroke in your pet, so you can act early. The RSPCA’s website has a wealth of information: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/heatstroke
You can also leave shallow bowls of water in shaded areas of your garden to help wildlife in hot weather too.
6. Organise a litter pick
Litter can be a real hazard for our wildlife, and a litter pick is a great way to improve your local area and protect wild animals from harmful waste.
Choose a safe location such as a park, beach or your local street, and invite friends, family or neighbours to join in. Bring gloves, litter pickers, bin bags and hand sanitiser. Separate recycling where possible and dispose of rubbish responsibly. Always avoid handling sharp or hazardous items and report them to the local council if needed.
Not only is it a great way to help wildlife, but it is a fantastic way to bring your local community together too.
7. Make a rescue box
While many animals need specialist support, there are lots of small wildlife and pets which people can safely help. According to the RSPCA’s latest Animal Kindness Index, hedgehogs were the wild animals most likely to need public help with 9,546 entering RSPCA centres in 2024, followed by wood pigeons (6,521), mallard ducks (3,806), feral pigeons (2,909) and blackbirds (1,782). But often people don’t realise the fastest way to get a small animal help is to take them to a local vet themselves.
Be a Local Animal Hero and check out the RSPCA’s training video, where Animal Rescue Officer Emma Baker shows the public how to help small wild animals and pets in need and create their own rescue box. Use a sturdy cardboard box with air holes, and line it with a towel or blanket. Keep it in the back of your car or in the shed alongside a pair of gardening gloves for handling the animals, and it’s ready to go whenever you need it.
At a time when the world feels divided, the RSPCA is on a mission to remind everyone what can happen when we come together as a community to do good – because kind acts, however small, combine to create a more compassionate world and small gestures can add up to a life-changing impact for animals and humans alike.
Rebecca Machin added: “Positive change often starts with simple, everyday actions. From helping keep local communities clear of litter, to providing water and safe food for visiting wildlife, we can all get involved in making a big difference for animals.”
