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As temperatures remain high and British gardens resemble deserts rather than wildlife havens, you may be questioning how you can protect our cherished robins and hedgehogs.

Wildlife charities are urging gardeners to consider Britain's wild creatures in various ways, but there is one daily action you can undertake in July that will help maintain their safety and wellbeing.

It is widely recognised that providing a supply of fresh water in gardens or outdoor areas benefits wildlife during hot weather - but there is something additional Britons need to consider.

Cleaning water containers daily and drying them before refilling is crucial in order to minimise the risk of transmitting disease among these small creatures, according to the RSPCA.

Water is equally vital for smaller mammals such as hedgehogs. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society stated fresh water can be a lifesaver for hedgehogs and their hoglets, reports the Express.

"While we sit back and relax in the outside with an ice-cold drink, generally revelling in an unusually sunny weather, our garden birds might not be having such a good time," says Chris Calow, a wildlife advisor for the RSPB.

"Turning your outside space into a home for nature by doing simple things like topping up your bird bath, creating a make-shift pond from a washing-up bowl, or putting down a saucer filled with water could offer a vital lifeline to some of our much-loved garden birds that are already fighting against declines."

Birds need water for bathing to maintain their feathers in proper condition - and as natural water sources become depleted this can prove difficult.

It is recommended water bowls should be shallow, and that garden ponds include escape routes for hedgehogs should they tumble in.

The RSPCA also requests that gardeners refrain from positioning water dishes too near to bushes and trees, to reduce the risk of birds and animals falling victim to cats or other predators.

You should additionally keep water away from the bird table and other feeding spots to prevent contaminated water, replenishing ponds and exercising caution when cutting lawns or lighting bonfires to avoid burning or injuring any creatures that may be sheltering.

It also cautioned against giving milk to hedgehogs, only plain, fresh water.

Fay Vass, CEO said "Water and food is scarce for hedgehogs when it's hot and dry, making water available can literally save a life! Pop a few pebbles in to make sure insects can escape and if you can, offer visiting hedgehogs some meaty cat or dog food too."