Gardeners will be excited to tend their gardens this weekend, if it rains as promised - but they have been told to be sparing with their shears in order to save the lives of animals blighted by the heatwave.

The Royal Horticultural Society has asked gardeners not to make their gardens too tidy, as this reduces the amount of hiding places for toads, birds and hedgehogs.

Gardeners should leave wildflower and meadow grasses uncut, increase log piles, and leave in place plants that have gone to seed, as various animals love to shelter there.

Birds need plants that have gone to seed for their nests, while the seeds are highly prized by goldfinches.

The RHS has also warned gardeners to dig gingerly; many toads will have burrowed to escape the heat.