The British government has declared a drought across wide areas of England amid a persistent heatwave. Officials say they are now considering restrictions on water usage.

The measure, which includes London, is the first declaration of its kind in four years. It comes after England recorded its driest July since 1935.

Temperatures have recently soared nationwide, and the mercury in the capital this weekend is expected to once again top 35 degrees Celsius.

Saving water is a major challenge for the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, southwest London. The lawns at the UNESCO World Heritage site have turned brown, and the tropical plants are being affected.

An official says the impact of the heatwave will last for another month or two. He says Kew Gardens will need to adapt to climate change over the coming decades.