I am sitting at my desk, looking at the bright blue sky and dazzling sunshine, dreaming of the days ahead. The weather forecaster announced last week that temperatures would rise dramatically, and by the time you read this article, we should have been experiencing a full week of glorious sunshine, with temperatures soaring into the high 20s. We can but hope, and it is a good start so far. The bank holiday weekend has, by all accounts, broken several records, and at one point in our garden on Monday, the temperature in the shade exceeded 30°C!

We have, of course, been promised such things before, only to see our hopes dashed when the sun doesn’t materialise and the forecasters blame a change in the winds; however, so far, there hasn’t been so much as a breeze, and the days are glorious.

We were spoilt last year, of that there is no doubt, and I, for one, made the mistake of thinking we might get a repeat of the fabulous weather from 2025, or at least some of it. But here I am, three layers on, sitting around a blazing fire, trying to keep warm at the end of May.

Cooling off

Taking shelter from the sun.

Bank holidays in the UK are usually a surefire way to send the sun hiding behind enormous black clouds, and we can all recall bank holidays being complete washouts. I am absolutely over the moon that this one has been different. Whilst I don’t like to venture too far on a bank holiday because of the inevitable traffic jams, I am pleased that those with some time off work could enjoy the glorious weather.

Of course, the hot weather, though welcome after a long, wet winter, brings its problems for farmers and smallholders. I hardly dare mention last year’s scorching summer within earshot of a local farmer, because, much as it was lovely to enjoy some good weather with months rather than days of sunshine, farmers felt it badly when crops failed, and they could only get one cut from their fields. The downside of sunshine without rain is that things don’t grow, and, of course, prices inevitably shoot up, which affects us all.

Fresh water

The goats love the sun

One of the main problems I face as a smallholder is keeping all the animals comfortable and hydrated. This means topping up the wallow so the pigs can cool off in the mud, and constantly refilling the water buckets so every animal has access to fresh water. Donkeys, in particular, will not drink water that has stood for too long, and in excessive heat this can, of course, be detrimental to their health. Providing shade is essential, and this might take the form of open stables and field shelters, or of strapping sails to fence posts to give the animals somewhere to escape the sun’s rays.

Special treats are also enjoyed, and the goats and pigs love to cool off with fresh fruit frozen in ice blocks. As the blocks melt, the animals get a refreshing drink and a tasty treat. I did try this once with the donkeys, but they just looked at me as if I had completely lost my mind and walked away. Apparently, they prefer their apples sliced, not frozen!

Whatever your thoughts on the British weather and our unpredictable summers, one thing is certain. Everyone seems that much happier when the sun is shining. Maybe it is because we can get outdoors more and enjoy the fresh air, or maybe it is because we can turn off the heating and save on the enormous spiralling costs. Whatever the reason, I am pleased that summer, and everything it has to offer, is well and truly on the way!



You can find Allison on Instagram countryliving_writer or visit her website here