Clarkson's Farm star Hannah Bourne-Taylor has taken to Instagram to explain why she has been driving around her local area with a full watering can, urging the public to care for wildlife during severe weather. The self-proclaimed "bird lady" and conservationist, who is married to Olympic rower Robin Bourne-Taylor, posted a short video showing her filling a cake tin with water.
Why Water is Crucial in a Heatwave
"Since the 1970s, about 70% of small natural bodies of water like ponds have vanished," Bourne-Taylor explained. "In a heatwave like this, this water, in lieu of a pond, could save a life or maybe several birds and other animals that find it really difficult to conserve fuel and not overheat and die."
Britain is currently sweltering under its third heatwave of the summer, with Met Office maps showing volcanic red across England. Forecasters predict highs of 35°C or even 36°C in the hottest spots on Thursday and Friday, with 33-34°C possible more widely across southern and eastern areas.
Creating an Oasis for Wildlife
Bourne-Taylor continued: "When there is a huge heatwave like this, partly because they can't get to water. So having this little oasis is a spa for them and I reckon it will at least make some of them happy and could spell the difference between life and death. If you can put out water anywhere in your garden, on your doorstep, in a local park, in the countryside like this and feel lucky that you've got access to water."
Fans thanked Bourne-Taylor for her kind initiatives. One commented: "Fed my birds and put water out with pebbles in to help the insects get out too." Another said: "What a great idea! I'm on it - I have a huge family of chaffinches in my garden so they will love it. Thank you!" A third added: "Thank you for educating us. Always loved wildlife but learning so much more. Your enthusiasm and love is wonderful. Keep going."
RSPCA Advice for Hot Weather
Overheating can be highly dangerous for many species during hot weather. The RSPCA reminded the public to regularly check the temperature levels inside fish tanks, reptile and amphibian enclosures to ensure they are set to the correct range. For ponds, they advised topping up water levels and ensuring pond fish have access to shaded areas created by aquatic plants.
