How can YOU help wildlife in the heat?

The summer sun might be great if you're relaxing on school holidays with an ice cream, but for our wildlife, it can be less fun.

Parts of Wales have become the first parts of the UK to given a drought status following the recent heatwaves that's brought hot, dry weather and low rainfall.

Because of this, some animals are struggling due to lack of food, shade and water.

Want to find out how you can help? Read on.

In Bristol, a hedgehog rescue centre is at full capacity because of dozens of dehydrated hedgehogs.

They have been struggling to find food and drink in the hot, dry weather but it's also baby season, which makes the problem worse.

Bumblebees are also being affected by the heat. The species is suited to a cooler climate, so their fat, furry bodies are designed to hold in heat.

During a heatwave - where their muscles generate even more heat - its harder to cool down so they can struggle to fly without overheating.

Whilst we can't control the weather, we can try and help them in a few different ways.

Wildlife expert Rebecca Machin from the RSPCA says "leaving out shallow dishes of fresh water" for animals like hedgehogs, birds and insects to drink from is incredibly helpful.

She also says that during periods of hot weather, animals can struggle to find food, so leaving out "wet cat and dog food for badgers and hedgehogs" could really help them.

You should also try to not bother wildlife that is "seeking refuge from the heat", which is more likely in shaded, quiet areas.

Zoe Quiroz Cullen, from The Wildlife Trusts, sends a reminder to people with a pond at home or at school, to top it up if you can.

However, she told Newsround to make sure "they have shallow, gently sloping edges so animals can get in out and safely".

The Wildlife Trusts also encourage people to be messy in their gardens - good news for some!

"Creating shady, cooler areas by letting grass grow long, adding log piles...allowing some parts of the garden to become wilder can provide vital shelter and sources of food", says Zoe.

Have you been helping out any wildlife in the heat? Let us know in the comments below.