It's been a glorious week of warmer weather, with the hottest day of the year baking the UK in 30C heat andseversl days in a row with bright, warm weather and clear skies.

While the heat may have cooled slightly this Bank Holiday weekend, we're still due several more days of largely clear skies without much rain. And with drier and/or hotter weather comes the need to protect endangered wildlife, which gardeners are being urged to do through any dry and warm period in the coming spring and summer months. 

In an urgent appeal to the public, Brits are being asked to set out a bowl of water in their gardens or outside their homes whenever the weather is warmer. 

During spells of prolonged sun, some have reported seeing dead birds in the street, and endangered hedgehogs can also potentially struggle with the lack of water.

That's why every household is being urged to leave a source of drinking water outside their house, either in the garden or on your driveway when the warm weather hits the UK.

The Wildlife Trusts explains: "Water is essential for wildlife to thrive, but it isn’t just for drinking. Amphibians like newts, frogs and toads use water as shelter and breeding grounds. Butterflies get valuable minerals and salts from slightly muddy water, and birds use water to bathe and remove parasites.

"During hot summer weather, it is important to have plenty of water for animals and birds to drink and bathe in. But don’t stop there! It is also important to keep the water topped up during the chilly winter months as sources of water can become frozen and more difficult to find.

"If you install a bird bath, make sure it has gradual edges and is roughly textured. If you want to go the extra mile, hanging a drip jug above your bird bath will attract more birds as they hear the dripping water.