Sounds like summer

Conjure up images of long hot days in the garden and it’s impossible not to think of the sounds which accompany summer, as neighbours and children spend time outdoors in the garden and play areas to enjoy the sun.

New homes builder Bellway has created thousands of communities which come alive with the sounds of summer every year as Bellway sales director, Steve Rose, explains: “We can create the properties and settings for new communities to develop but it is the people and families who bring new neighbourhoods to life.

“It’s always a pleasure to visit one of our more established sites in the hotter months when everyone’s outside enjoying their new gardens and making friends with neighbours. The summer’s a very social and relaxed time of year and there are certain noises which I immediately associate with it.”

Make the most of the warmer weather and listen out for the onset of summer with Bellway’s top ten summery sounds:

1. Birdsong There is no better indication that summer has arrived than the sounds of birds singing in the trees. Welcome feathered friends into your garden with bird boxes for nesting and birdbaths to splash in and they will repay you by eating destructive insects and singing a tuneful chorus to greet you each summer morning.

2. Busy bees The gentle buzz of bees is incredibly relaxing and, left to their own devices, are very unlikely to sting! Encourage bees into your garden and they will pollinate flowers and fruit helping your garden bloom this summer.

3. Splashing water Nothing sounds more like summer than the splashing and squeals of children playing in a paddling pool. Take care though - children must never be left unsupervised, should be covered in waterproof sun cream and remember to re-use the water afterwards to water the lawn or borders. If water levels are low or a hosepipe ban is in operation then fill water pistols or old washing up liquid bottles for squirting fun!

4. Lawnmower Getting the garden in shape is a great way to keep yourself in trim too! Pushing the lawnmower around is good exercise and the more regularly you do it, the better the lawn will look.

5. Corks popping For a sparkling summer, whip out the champagne flutes and relax with a glass of the finest bubbly. Very well chilled Cava and can be equally as delicious and teamed up with British strawberries. No special occasion is necessary for celebrating this summer!

6. Bat on ball Garden games like cricket are an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors. Foam on willow might not have the same ring as leather on willow but is much safer in an enclosed space. Be safe in the garden, protect the windows and your garden will echo with the sound of laughter - not tears!

7. Sizzle of sausages The summer months are perfect for dining alfresco and a barbeque is a wonderfully informal way to gather family and friends together. Cook meat thoroughly to avoid potential food poisoning and don’t forget to provide a choice of vegetarian options to ensure everyone can enjoy the fun.

8. Swish of leaves and grass The sound of leaves rustling in the trees or a gentle breeze blowing through long grasses, like popular Pampas grass, is extremely soothing. Lie back on the lawn and enjoy being ‘at one’ with nature for a truly serene summer experience.

9. Silence Your special sound of the summer might be an energizing blast of the Beach Boys but remember that one person’s top tunes are another’s noise pollution. Show some consideration this summer for those who prefer the sound of silence!

10. Ice cream van The catchy jingle of the ice cream van is the signal to treat the children and the young-at-heart to a cold snack - the perfect way to end any long hot summer’s day...

Working in a different way to every other national housebuilder, Bellway comprises 18 regional divisions, each with its own portfolio of unique properties. This ensures that every region has homes which will appeal to buyers in that area and also means local building products can be used wherever possible.

For more information, visit bellway.co.uk.