Isobel Pankhurst

Wildlife charities are urging gardeners to provide fresh water for hedgehogs and garden birds during hot, dry weather. Water dishes should be cleaned daily and dried before refilling to reduce disease transmission, while shallow bowls, escape routes from ponds and carefully positioned containers can help protect animals from drowning, predators and contamination. Gardeners are also advised to check lawns and bonfire materials for wildlife before mowing or burning, and to give hedgehogs plain water rather than milk; meaty cat or dog food may also be provided.

Asda was identified as the cheapest UK supermarket for branded products in June after Which? compared prices of 232 items, finding significant differences depending on loyalty card use. Asda’s average total of £783.31 made it the lowest for the fifth consecutive month, while Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons offered lower prices only with loyalty cards. Without them, costs rose sharply, in some cases exceeding prices at Waitrose and Ocado. Several items showed price gaps over 100 percent, including Listerine mouthwash, underscoring frequent discount cycles and the need for consumers to monitor price fluctuations.