Warmer weather is finally on the way back to the UK next week, with forecasts of a 20C heatwave landing next Friday according to forecasters. But with 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 next week while the weather is warmer. The weather is set to be hotter in the UK than Ibiza at the start of May according to weather maps and charts by Ventusky. Temperatures as high as 22C will hit parts of the UK next week on Friday, May 2.

Sunday, April 27 will be a warm day for most of England with temperatures in the high teens and low 20Cs before the hotter conditions peak a few days later.

During spells of prolonged sun, some have reported seeing dead birds in the street, and it's not a stretch to imagine that endangered hedgehogs are also potentially struggling 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.