Brits are being told to add this one item to their garden in a bid to naturally attract birds this summer. Gardening experts from GardenExpress have said with the weather getting hot, it's a good time to make gardens more bird-friendly.

The experts have provided simple ways to ensure birds have food, shelter and water as temperatures rise. This will encourage birds to visit and thrive in the heat. Chris Bonnett, founder of  GardeningExpress said: “Birds are naturally drawn to places where they can quickly find nutrients and shelter, so incorporating a variety of plants into your garden can greatly increase its appeal to birds.

"Plants should vary from food bearing varieties and hedges or shrubs that offer protection from predators and harsh weather, helping to keep birds nearby.

“Choosing native shrubs, trees, and flowers offers the most effective support for local wildlife.”

The first tip is to supply freshwater. This will ensure the birds can drink and bathe, it can be placed in an open spot and should be topped up regularly in the warm weather.

The lack of rain can make it difficult for birds to find protein and moisture-rich invertebrate creatures like caterpillars, earthworms, and snails, which they eat and feed to their young during breeding season.

Another way to support birds is by providing food. You can plant seeds, berry and fruit-bearing plants as these will offer birds a natural food supply, says Garden Express.

You might even want to take a trip to the shops and grab seeds, nuts or dried insects to place in a bird feeder.

Another thing you could do is to provide safety and shelter. This can help birds hide from predators. There are many ways to do this, you can help by adding dense shrubs and bushes.

Holly and yew bushes in your garden can create natural hideaways.

It might also be worth placing a birdhouse or two in your garden and in order to encourage them to settle, you can add a handful of leaves or moss.